Supermarket Retail Buyer
Spanos Retail Group | South East & South West QLD
Relocation Package Available for suitable candidate.
At Spanos Retail Group, we don't follow the supermarket playbook — we rewrite it.
Proudly Gold Coast–based and family-owned for over 30 years, Spanos IGA operates a growing network of independent supermarkets across South East and South West Queensland. The award-winning Spano family has built a business that champions local communities, backs its people, and competes boldly against the major chains.
We're now looking for a Retail Buyerr — a commercially sharp, results-driven leader who thrives on ownership, negotiation, and delivering standout retail outcomes. If you're ready to make real decisions, influence the business, and help challenge the duopoly, this is your opportunity.
The Opportunity
As Retailer Buyer, you will own your categories end-to-end. You'll lead strategic planning, supplier negotiations, and promotional execution to drive sales growth, margin improvement, and income delivery. Working closely with stores, suppliers, and senior leadership, you'll shape a compelling retail offer that builds loyalty and keeps Spanos IGA ahead of the competition.
This is a high-impact role with genuine autonomy and visibility — ideal for a senior category professional ready to step into a business where performance is recognised and ideas are actioned.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Category Strategy & Commercial Leadership
* Own and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives
* Lead promotional planning, execution, review, and optimisation
* Drive sales growth through accurate forecasting and disciplined range management
* Identify and execute new growth and income opportunities across categories
Supplier & Negotiation Leadership
* Lead senior-level supplier negotiations to maximise commercial outcomes
* Manage trading agreements, business plans, and promotional commitments
* Build strong, collaborative partnerships with key suppliers
* Secure high-impact promotional activity including catalogues, activations, and late-week offers
Financial & Performance Management
* Deliver and exceed sales, GP %, GP $, and income budgets
* Actively identify margin improvement and cost optimisation opportunities
* Manage promotional funding, stock strategies, and income forecasts
* Ensure business plan targets are achieved through disciplined execution
Stakeholder & Store Engagement
* Partner closely with store teams to ensure category strategies meet local customer needs
* Collaborate across merchandising, marketing, logistics, and operations
* Influence internal stakeholders through strong commercial insights and data-driven recommendations
What We're Looking For
* 5+ years' experience in Category Management within FMCG or grocery retail
* Proven success managing large categories, complex promotions, and supplier negotiations
* Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering sales and margin growth
* Advanced Excel and data analysis capability
* Experience leading projects, initiatives, or teams (formal leadership experience advantageous)
* Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
* A hands-on, accountable leader who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment
Why Work With Spanos IGA?
* Real influence — your decisions shape the business, not just a category report
* Autonomy & trust — we back experienced people to do what they do best
* Direct access to leadership — work closely with owners and senior executives
* Independent agility — move faster, be bolder, and innovate without red tape
* Community-driven business — support local suppliers and local stores
* Career growth — grow with a business that's expanding and investing in its people
* Challenge the duopoly — be part of a retailer that genuinely competes and wins