General Manager Merchandise

At Metcash, you’re part of something bigger. We’ve got the heart of a small business with the strength and support of a big business. 

When you join Metcash, your work makes a real difference to independent businesses and local communities, empowering you to: 

• Grow your career with tailored development programs 

• Thrive your way with flexible work options 

• Make your mark in a high-performing, values-led team 

Independent Brands Australia (IBA) is the retailer arm of Metcash's liquor pillar. We're the largest network of independent liquor retailers in Australia, supporting Cellarbrations, The Bottle-O, IGA Liquor, Porters Liquor, Thirsty Camel and Duncans. 

At IBA, being part of something bigger means making a real difference to local retailers, businesses and the community. We support a wide range of independently owned liquor stores, helping them compete with the large chains and thrive in a dynamic market. 

When you join the IBA network you’re not just working with a family business, you’re getting backed by the strength of the Metcash Group. Whether you're on the retail floor, in store support or behind the scenes, you're helping to champion successful independents across Australia. 

About the Opportunity  

The newly created GM Merchandise - IBA offers the opportunity to shape the future of IBA’s market competitiveness. Reporting to Executive General Manager – IBA, you’ll lead end-to-end category management, driving supplier investment and retailer margins, while coordinating promotional programs. A key focus will be building buying and category management capability, ensuring IBA stays ahead of emerging trends and delivers strong commercial impact. This is your chance to make a significant mark in a role designed for innovation and growth. 

In this Role  

• You will play an integral role on the IBA Retail Leadership Team, helping to shape strategy and direction 

• Utilising collaboration and influencing skills, and in conjunction with the Executive General Manager for Retail, you will own the retailer's product assortment & promotional planning across ALL IBA brands     

• Partner with, and act as a critical member of the IBA Retail team, driving the successful implementation of retail category plans     

• Partner with Independent Beverage Partners on the transformation of IBA’s private label & Exclusive business, driving penetration through value and quality brands all while ensuring retailers are achieving substantially greater margin across the portfolio     

• Build buying strategies and negotiation schedule for the transfer of variable spend to fixed spend for IBA & retailers     

• Through spending time in market lead retail strategic thinking, supporting the best store in town and always striving to see our retail partners grow in retail standards & margin     

• Lead, coach and mentor a broad cross functional team to grow group capability    

You’re Likely a Match If  

• Demonstrated experience thriving in complex environments with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. 

• Proven capability in building strong, influential relationships across both industry and non‑industry stakeholders. 

• Skilled negotiator with a track record of influencing outcomes and leading successful commercial discussions. 

• Experienced in leading diverse teams through change, enabling performance across varying capability levels. 

• Strong commercial mindset with expertise in buying, negotiation, financial acumen, and data‑driven decision‑making. 

• Adept at translating data insights into strategic plans, business management decisions, and effective problem‑solving, with flexibility for frequent travel and work outside standard hours. 

What’s on offer 

We’re proud to offer a workplace that supports your well-being, growth, and belonging: 

🏖️ Extra Leave: Enjoy a 5th week of annual leave, 2 well-being days, plus 1 volunteer day annually 

📚 Career Growth: Endless learning and development opportunities 

👶 Parental Leave: 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid leave for primary carers