Category Manager – Boxed Meat

We’ve been relied upon to serve Australian communities since 1914 and have expanded to become a top 30-listed company on the ASX, boasting over 115,000 team members and a collection of iconic brands. At Coles Group, you won’t just make a difference in the lives of millions of Australians—you’ll witness your impact firsthand.

About the team

Our Commercial team is extensive yet tightly-knit, composed of trading specialists poised to define the future of Coles. We take pride in the enduring supplier relationships we cultivate, the innovative ideas we generate, and our passionate dedication to helping Australians live and eat better daily. The most remarkable aspect? Our diversity. We contribute varied perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to every Business Unit within Coles Supermarkets and Liquor.

About the role

In this permanent position, you will collaborate with and report to the Head of Integrated Meat Planning and Export. This role involves leading our expanding Meat purchasing division. You will be responsible for formulating and implementing customer-focused Meat Trading strategies to cultivate profitable purchasing channels by nurturing supplier and customer connections. A primary focus on cost, quality, and availability is crucial.

Furthermore, you will be a vital partner in executing a customer-oriented category strategy, enhancing the performance of the category portfolio through sales, profitability, and growth by collaborating with suppliers, stakeholders, and the broader team.

You’ll also:

• Strategically collaborate with key suppliers to identify optimal solutions for Coles’ trading requirements.
• Assist in formulating sales strategies for international markets.
• Recognize, cultivate, and oversee supplier relationships.
• Engage with customers and internal stakeholders to establish supplier contracts, covering price, specifications, terms, and conditions.
• Lead negotiations that yield favourable outcomes for Customers, Coles, and Suppliers.

About you and your skills

We seek a professional with a demonstrable history in Meat Trading (preferably domestic purchasing) within a large, intricate organization in the APAC region or globally. Ideally, you possess experience with fresh meat exports/imports/trading and are knowledgeable about the industry’s legislation and laws. A robust background in trading management, supplier relations, and commercial strategy, coupled with a comprehensive perspective and approach, is essential.

You’ll also require:

• Previous experience managing local and/or international suppliers, successfully fostering long-term relationships.
• Strong capacity for problem-solving and navigating high levels of ambiguity.
• Exceptional ability to influence, negotiate, and proven stakeholder management capabilities.
• Aptitude for building strong relationships and influencing cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to champion and implement change.
• Solid financial acumen within a highly commercial setting.
• Advanced analytical skills, evidenced by proactively using market insights and data to shape category strategy.

Please be advised that applications will conclude on April 17th, 2025.

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What’s in it for you?

• Flexible working options: Recognizing that work is just one aspect of life, we actively promote a healthy work-life balance and offer hybrid working arrangements to support this.
• Office perks: Benefit from our gym facilities and fitness classes, complimentary parking, BBQ area, mini-Coles supermarket, fooderie hub for sampling new products, school holiday programs, and much more during your time in the office.
• Discounts: Eligible team members enjoy a 5% discount year-round on Supermarket and Liquor purchases, both online and in-store. We also feature periods of double discount (10%) at different times annually, plus exclusive hotdeals for extra savings.
• Reward through recognition: Exchange recognition tied to our Coles values via our digital platform ‘mythanks’. Accumulate points redeemable in the online store for various gifts and electronic gift cards from a wide array of retailers.
• Opportunities for learning and development: Regardless of your starting point in our varied business, you’ll find experiences, exposure, and educational opportunities to fulfill you. Explore diverse career development programs and role-specific training.
• Paid parental leave: We value your life outside work and provide permanent team members with paid parental leave to assist in balancing work and family commitments.
• Investment in your future: Our yearly team member share plan enables eligible participants to make regular pre-tax salary sacrifice contributions towards purchasing Coles Group shares.

About the recruitment process

We are continuously fostering a gender-equitable team and a culture as diverse, inclusive, and welcoming as the communities we cater to. We are dedicated to establishing a safe and respectful workplace for our team. We welcome applications from individuals of all ages, cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

We are pleased to adapt our recruitment process to accommodate candidates with disabilities. For more details and contact information, please visit the ‘Our Recruitment Process’ page on our careers website or contact inclusionrecruitment@coles.com.au.

Job ID: 150855

Employment Type: Full time

Tagged as: +10 years