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 Category Manager — 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 Category Manager, 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

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





Solid 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

Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

Your application will include the following questions:

- Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for vendor management?
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
- Do you have experience using Microsoft Excel?
- How many years' experience do you have as a category manager?
- How many years of project management experience do you have?
- How many years' experience do you have in a procurement role?
- Do you have retail buying experience?
- Do you have purchasing experience?

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📌 Category Manager & Buyer (Australia)
🏢 @
📍 Australia