Supermarket Buyer / Category ManagerSpanos Retail Group (IGA)
South East & South West QLD
Relocation package available for the right candidate
At Spanos Retail Group, we don’t follow the supermarket playbook — we rewrite it.Proudly Gold Coast–based and family-owned for more than 30 years, Spanos IGA operates a growing network of award-winning independent supermarkets across South East and South West Queensland. Built by the Spano family, our business champions local communities, backs its people, and competes boldly against the major chains.
We’re now seeking a Category Manager / Buyer — a commercially sharp, results-driven leader who thrives on ownership, negotiation, and delivering standout retail outcomes. If you want real influence, real decisions, and the chance to help challenge the duopoly, this is your opportunity.
The OpportunityThis is a high-impact, end-to-end category ownership role. You’ll lead strategy, supplier negotiations, and promotional execution to drive sales growth, margin improvement, and income delivery. Working closely with stores, suppliers, and senior leadership, you’ll help shape a compelling retail offer that keeps Spanos IGA ahead of the competition.
Key ResponsibilitiesCategory & Commercial LeadershipOwn and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectivesLead promotional planning, execution, review, and optimisationDrive sales growth through forecasting, range management, and disciplined executionIdentify and deliver new growth and income opportunities
Supplier & Negotiation LeadershipLead senior-level supplier negotiations and trading agreementsManage business plans, promotional commitments, and fundingBuild strong, collaborative supplier partnershipsSecure high-impact promotional activity (catalogues, activations, late-week offers)
Financial & Performance ManagementDeliver sales, GP %, GP $, and income budgetsIdentify margin improvement and cost optimisation opportunitiesManage promotional funding, stock strategies, and income forecasts
Stakeholder & Store EngagementPartner with stores to ensure category strategies meet local customer needsCollaborate across merchandising, marketing, logistics, and operationsInfluence stakeholders through strong commercial insights and data
What We’re Looking For5+ years’ Category Management experience in FMCG or grocery retailProven success managing large categories, complex promotions, and supplier negotiationsStrong commercial acumen with a track record of sales and margin growthAdvanced Excel and data analysis capabilityConfident communicator who can influence at all levelsHands-on, accountable leader who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment
Why Join Spanos IGA?Real influence — your decisions shape the businessAutonomy & trust — experienced people backed to performDirect access to leadership — work closely with owners and executivesIndependent agility — faster decisions, less red tapeCommunity-driven — support local suppliers and local storesCareer growth — grow with a business that’s expandingChallenge the duopoly — and win
Interested? Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation.