Category Manager - Food To Go/Deli

About Us: Australian United Retailers Limited (AURL), operating under the FoodWorks brand, is a dynamic and innovative player in the retail industry. We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Category Manager – Food to Go / Deli to join our team at the Melbourne Support Office. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a major growth area for our business.

Position Overview: As the Category Manager – Food to Go / Deli, you will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategic initiatives for the 'Food to Go' and Deli categories. Reporting to the National Business Manager – Perishables, you will be responsible for driving innovation, enhancing product offerings, and ensuring profitable growth across the AURL network.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Set the strategic direction for the 'Food to Go' / Deli categories, driving innovation and sales growth.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement category strategies and tactics effectively.
3. Conduct regular reviews of key performance indicators, ensuring timely communication with retailers.
4. Specify core/seasonal product ranges, managing new product introductions and deletions.
5. Support negotiations for trading terms, promotional programs, and relationships with key suppliers.
6. Build and maintain effective relationships with retailers, ensuring open communication and conflict resolution.
7. Develop and execute a competitive retail price strategy, ensuring market advantage and adherence to pricing policies.
8. Design and negotiate a promotional program with suppliers, ensuring accuracy and alignment with financial guidelines.
9. Communicate space planning and layouts based on category methodology, collaborating with Retail Operations.
10. Provide team management and development, influencing without authority to motivate team performance.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant Tertiary qualification (Business, Food Science, or Quality Assurance) is desirable.
• Minimum 8 to 10 years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience in 'Food to Go' category management is essential.
• Exposure to the Retail, Petrol & Convenience, Hospitality, or Wholesale industries.
• FMCG management-level experience in Sales and Marketing to large Supermarket and food retailing businesses.
• Knowledge of multi-site independent retailers and appreciation of supply chain challenges.
• Experienced in navigating environments undergoing significant change, with a focus on influence.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Strong business analysis skills, utilizing data to inform objective and analytical business initiatives.
• Proven category management skills, driving sales and engaging stakeholders.
• Financial management abilities, establishing and delivering outcomes aligned with organisational criteria.
• Relationship development expertise, fostering sustainable partnerships and addressing conflicts proactively.
• Effective time management, setting priorities, planning, and organizing responsibilities.
• Commercial style with an innovative and risk-aware approach.
• Positive interpersonal style, building trust and confidence with a results-oriented focus.
• Management style that achieves results through influence and active communication.
• Organized work style, flexible in response to changes, and initiative-taking approach.

How to Apply: If you meet the qualifications and experience criteria and are excited about this unique opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter.  Applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.