Category Manager - Boxed Meat

We’ve been trusted to serve Aussie communities since 1914 and grown to become a top 30-listed on the ASX with over 115,000 team members and a portfolio of iconic brands. At Coles Group, you’ll not only get to make a difference to millions of Aussie lives—you’ll also get to see your impact.

About the team

Our Commercial team is a large, but a close-knit group of trading experts, who are ready to shape the future of Coles. We pride ourselves on the long-lasting supplier relationships we build, the new ideas we develop and how passionately we work to help Australian eat and live better every day. And the best part? We’re all so different. We bring diversity of thought, backgrounds, and experience to every Business Unit across Coles Supermarkets and Liquor.

About the role

In this permanent role you will partner with and report into the Head of Integrated Meat Planning and Export.  This role will see you take the lead of our growing Meat purchasing function. You will be accountable for developing and executing customer centric Meat Trading strategies to grow profitable purchasing avenues by maintaining supplier and customer relationships.   Focus on cost, quality and availability are paramount.

You’ll also be a key partner in delivering a customer focused category strategy, driving performance of the category portfolio through sales, profitability, and growth by partnering with suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider team.  

You’ll also:

• Strategically partner with key suppliers to find best for Coles solutions to trading needs
• Help Develop sales strategies for international Markets
• Identify, develop and manage supplier relationships
• Work with customers and internal stakeholders to develop supplier contracts including price, specifications, terms and conditions
• Drive negotiations that deliver successful outcomes for Customers, Coles & Suppliers

About you and your skills

We are looking for a professional with a proven track record in Meat Trading (ideally domestic purchasing) in a large, complex organisation across the APAC region or in a global capacity.  Ideally, you will have experience working with fresh meat exports/imports/trading and be familiar with the legislations and laws pertaining to the industry.  You will have a strong background in trading management, supplier relationships and commercial strategy with a big picture approach and mindset!

You’ll also need:

• Previous local and/or international supplier management experience with success growing long lasting relationships with suppliers
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate high level of ambiguity.
• Outstanding ability to influence, negotiate and demonstrated stakeholder management skills
• Ability to build strong relationships and influence cross functional teams and suppliers
• Proven ability to champion and drive change
• Strong financial acumen within a highly commercial environment
• Developed analytical skills demonstrated through proactively sourcing market insights and data to formulate category strategy 

Please note that applications will close on April 17th, 2025.

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What’s in it for you?

• Flexible working options: We know that work is only one part of your life, so we actively encourage a positive work-life balance and provide hybrid working options to help you achieve it.
• Office perks: Take advantage of our gym facility and fitness classes, free parking, BBQ area, mini-Coles supermarket, fooderie hub where you can sample new products before they hit the shelves, school holiday program and so much more when you come in.
• Discounts: Eligible team members receive 5% discount all year round on your Supermarket and Liquor online and in-store purchases. We also offer additional periods of double discount (10%) at various times throughout the year. As well as hotdeals exclusive to team members that translate into additional savings.
• Reward through recognition: Give and receive recognition, linked to our Coles values, through our digital recognition platform ‘mythanks’. You can accumulate points to redeem in the online shop for exciting gifts and electronic gift cards from an extensive range of retailers.
• Opportunities for learning and development: No matter where you start within our diverse business, you’ll have experiences, exposure, and education to satisfy you. Discover and explore a variety of career development programs and job-specific training.
• Paid parental leave: We understand how important your life outside work is and offer permanent team members paid parental leave to support you in balancing work and family.
• Investment in your future: Our annual team member share plan offer allows eligible team members to make regular pre-tax salary sacrifice deductions to purchase Coles Group shares.

About the recruitment process

We’re continuing to build a gender equitable team, and a culture that is just as diverse, inclusive and welcoming as the communities we serve. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe and respectful for our team. We encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities.

We’re happy to adjust our recruitment process to support candidates with disability. For further information and additional contact details visit the ‘Our Recruitment Process’ section of our careers site or email inclusionrecruitment@coles.com.au

Job ID: 150855

Employment Type: Full time