Supermarket Buyer / Category Manager
Spanos 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 Opportunity
This 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 Responsibilities Category & Commercial Leadership
* Own and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives
* Lead promotional planning, execution, review, and optimisation
* Drive sales growth through forecasting, range management, and disciplined execution
* Identify and deliver new growth and income opportunities
Supplier & Negotiation Leadership
* Lead senior-level supplier negotiations and trading agreements
* Manage business plans, promotional commitments, and funding
* Build strong, collaborative supplier partnerships
* Secure high-impact promotional activity (catalogues, activations, late-week offers)
Financial & Performance Management
* Deliver sales, GP %, GP $, and income budgets
* Identify margin improvement and cost optimisation opportunities
* Manage promotional funding, stock strategies, and income forecasts
Stakeholder & Store Engagement
* Partner with stores to ensure category strategies meet local customer needs
* Collaborate across merchandising, marketing, logistics, and operations
* Influence stakeholders through strong commercial insights and data
What We're Looking For
* 5+ years' Category Management experience in FMCG or grocery retail
* Proven success managing large categories, complex promotions, and supplier negotiations
* Strong commercial acumen with a track record of sales and margin growth
* Advanced Excel and data analysis capability
* Confident communicator who can influence at all levels
* Hands-on, accountable leader who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment
Why Join Spanos IGA?
* Real influence— your decisions shape the business
* Autonomy & trust— experienced people backed to perform
* Direct access to leadership— work closely with owners and executives
* Independent agility— faster decisions, less red tape
* Community-driven— support local suppliers and local stores
* Career growth— grow with a business that's expanding
* Challenge the duopoly— and win
Interested? Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation.
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