Category Manager

We’ve been trusted to serve Aussie communities since 1914 and grown to become a top 30‑listed on the ASX with over 115,000 team members and a portfolio of iconic brands. At Coles Group, you’ll not only get to make a difference to millions of Aussie lives—you’ll also get to see your impact. About the team Procurement supplies solutions. Coles Group is a top 30‑listed ASX company with diverse needs from thousands of suppliers. Our team specialises in reducing cost and risk across our supply base. We partner with all areas of the business to develop and execute sourcing and contracting strategies that innovatively deliver sustainable value to our customers. About the role We have an opportunity for a dynamic Category Manager to join the Coles Procurement team. Reporting into the Senior Category Manager, Supply Chain, this role will work across all Coles brands and relevant functions, responsible for all aspects of category spend and support the development and execution of category best practices for Coles’ categories. Your responsibilities will include: Managing internal & external resources effectively to support, develop and execute category plans that produce the desired business results Support the sourcing strategy definition, deployment and stakeholder alignment Owner and responsible for the development of total cost of ownership strategy with support from Senior Category Manager and the relevant category and sub‑category strategic plans and priorities Identify opportunities for value creation through strategic cost management tools (e.g. should‑cost analysis, e‑auctions) Track forecasted vs. actual savings according to the Coles Value Tracking Process for categories in scope Conduct regular reviews of uncontracted spend and address gaps through category planning About you and your skill Success in this role will be achieving or exceeding annual efficiency targets set against category plans, achieved through commercial dealings with suppliers and internal customers. This will require you to have advanced commercial skills including negotiation, ‘should cost’ modelling, financial analysis and risk & contract management. You will also have: Related tertiary qualification, ideally with Commerce, Supply Chain, Transport, Legal, or Procurement background Strong procurement experience, ideally within retail/FMCG or supply chain/transport categories Demonstrated experience in sourcing, project management, data analysis and negotiations Influence stakeholders with persuasive recommendations and arguments, underpinned with strong oral and written communication skills Competent in ARIBA, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and e‑procurement tools/systems What’s in it for you? Flexible working options: We know that work is only one part of your life, so we actively encourage a positive work‑life balance and provide hybrid working options to help you achieve it. Office perks: Take advantage of our gym facility and fitness classes, free parking, area, mini‑Coles supermarket, fooderie hub where you can sample new products before they hit the shelves, school holiday program and so much more when you come in. Discounts: Eligible team members receive 5% discount all year round on your Supermarket and Liquor online and in‑store purchases. We also offer additional periods of double discount (10%) at various times throughout the year. As well as hotdeals exclusive to team members that translate into additional savings. Reward through recognition: Give and receive recognition, linked to our Coles values, through our digital recognition platform ‘mythanks’. You can accumulate points to redeem in the online shop for exciting gifts and electronic gift cards from an extensive range of retailers. Opportunities for learning and development: No matter where you start within our diverse business, you’ll have experiences, exposure, and education to satisfy you. Discover and explore a variety of career development programs and job‑specific training. Paid parental leave: We understand how important your life outside work is and offer permanent team members paid parental leave to support you in balancing work and family. Investment in your future: Our annual team member share plan offer allows eligible team members to make regular pre‑tax salary sacrifice deductions to purchase Coles Group shares. About the recruitment process We’re continuing to build a gender equitable team, and a culture that is just as diverse, inclusive and welcoming as the communities we serve. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe and respectful for our team. We encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities. We’re happy to adjust our recruitment process to support candidates with disability. For further information and additional contact details visit the ‘Our Recruitment Process’ section of our careers site or email Job ID: Employment Type: Full time #LI-RM1 #J-18808-Ljbffr