Job Overview & Organization Mission

Drive multi-hundred-million-dollar category sales, grower supplier negotiations, and seasonal promotional strategy for Coles Supermarkets nationally.

Coles Group is seeking a strategic and commercially driven National Category Manager to lead our Fresh Produce buying team at the Store Support Centre in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. You will take ownership of category sales P&L, curate consumer-centric product assortments, negotiate long-term supply contracts with Australian growers, and drive innovative packaging sustainability initiatives.

As a key member of the team at Coles Group in Melbourne, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Manage total: Manage total commercial P&L performance, gross margin targets, and market share growth for key product categories.
• Negotiate competitive: Negotiate competitive supplier terms, farm-gate pricing structures, and long-term grower supply contracts.
• Develop annual: Develop annual category strategies, seasonal promotional calendars, and price-point architectures.
• Conduct range: Conduct range reviews using consumer scanner data, Nielsen market share insights, and demographic trends.
• Collaborate with: Collaborate with supply chain teams to optimize cold chain freshness and minimize food waste.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Coles Group, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Commerce, Business, Marketing or Agribusiness.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 6+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 6+ years of commercial category management, FMCG brand management, or retail buying experience.
• Proven track record managing large-scale retail category budgets ($100M+ revenue).
• Outstanding commercial negotiation, supplier partnership, and financial modeling capability.
• Degree in Commerce, Business, Marketing, or related field.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Coles Group, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$140,000 – AU$170,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Package $140,000 – $170,000 + short-term incentive bonus + superannuation.
• Hawthorn East Store Support Centre featuring onsite cafes, gym, and flexible hybrid working.
• Coles team member discounts, discounted health insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Coles Group

Coles Group is one of Australia’s leading retailers, operating over 800 supermarkets and employing over 120,000 team members nationally.

Coles Group is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Coles Group careers gateway.