Australian United Retailers (AUR) is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer & Negotiator to lead supplier negotiations and commercial outcomes for our new AUR Sales Growth (ASG) Program.
This is a senior commercial role responsible for securing strong supplier partnerships, negotiating promotional discounts, and delivering improved value for AUR retailers across their independent brands including FoodWorks, Farmer Jacks, Country Grocers, etc.
The successful candidate will be the primary negotiator for the ASG Program, working directly with national FMCG suppliers to establish supply arrangements, promotional deals and volumes and commercial structures that deliver improved retailer margin and long‐term sale growth.
This role requires a highly commercial individual with extensive experience negotiating with suppliers in the grocery industry, ideally with exposure to both corporate supermarket environments and independent retail networks.
The position works closely with category management, senior leadership and suppliers to ensure the ASG Program delivers sustainable commercial outcomes for AUR and its retailers.
Key Areas of Focus
Lead high‐level negotiations with national and regional suppliers to secure participation in the ASG Program. Establish commercial agreements that deliver improved funding structures and supply arrangements that benefit AUR retailers and strengthen supplier partnerships.
2. ASG Program Development
Drive the ongoing development and implementation of the AUR Sales Growth Program. Work collaboratively across internal teams and suppliers to ensure the program delivers improved margin outcomes and commercial certainty for suppliers and retailers.
Develop and maintain strong long‐term relationships with key FMCG suppliers. Act as the primary commercial interface between AUR and suppliers participating in the ASG Program, ensuring alignment on commercial objectives and operational execution. Note that the primary interface with suppliers will continue to be the category management team in regards to trading terms, promotional programs, income generation and general day to day communication.
Deliver improved sales and margin for AUR retailers whilst ensuring agreements contribute to AUR's financial objectives while supporting retailer profitability and sustainable supplier partnerships.
5. Strategic Commercial Development
Identify opportunities to strengthen AUR's supplier partnerships and commercial model through innovative negotiation strategies, new program structures and improved commercial frameworks.
6. Cross‐Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Category Management, Finance, Retail Operations and our Wholesale Partner (Metcash) teams to ensure negotiated agreements are successfully implemented across the AUR network.
Skills and Capabilities Required
Commercial Negotiation
Demonstrated ability to lead complex commercial negotiations with major FMCG suppliers. Ability to prepare structured negotiation strategies, manage multiple stakeholders and deliver outcomes that create mutual commercial value.
Strategic Thinking
Strong strategic mindset with the ability to identify long‐term opportunities that strengthen supplier partnerships and improve retailer outcomes.
Strong understanding of trading terms, supplier funding models and commercial agreements within the grocery industry. Ability to analyse financial outcomes and structure negotiations to maximise value.
Relationship Development
Highly developed relationship management skills with the ability to build credibility and trust with senior supplier stakeholders and internal teams.
Industry Expertise
Deep understanding of the supermarket and FMCG landscape, including the dynamics between suppliers, retailers and wholesalers.
Communication & Influence
Ability to influence senior stakeholders, lead commercial discussions and clearly communicate complex commercial arrangements.
Time Management
Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple negotiations and commercial projects simultaneously.
Personal Capabilities
Confident operating at a senior commercial level, demonstrating strong judgement, professionalism and the ability to drive outcomes in complex negotiations.
Works effectively across teams and stakeholders to achieve common objectives while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Results Driven
Focused on delivering measurable commercial outcomes that strengthen AUR's position and support retailer success.
Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment where commercial models and supplier relationships continue to evolve.
Qualifications
Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Marketing or Finance is desirable.
Minimum 10+ years' experience in buying, commercial negotiations or senior supplier management within the grocery/FMCG industry.
Knowledge and Experience
Extensive supplier negotiation experience within the grocery or FMCG industry
Strong understanding of supermarket retail, wholesaler environments and independent retailer networks
Experience working within independent retail groups highly regarded
Proven experience delivering commercial outcomes through negotiation and supplier partnership development
Ability to operate at senior management level and contribute strategically to commercial business outcomes
Why Join AUR?
Australian United Retailers supports a large network of independent supermarkets across Australia. This role, reporting through to the Executive General Manager of Merchandise, provides a unique opportunity to shape a major strategic supplier program and negotiate directly with leading FMCG suppliers, delivering real commercial impact across the independent grocery sector.
If you are a highly experienced grocery negotiator with a strong commercial mindset and a passion for building supplier partnerships, we would love to hear from you.
Application Questions
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
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