Category Development Leader Grocery - Fixed Term

Mars Incorporated; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Snacking Australia is seeking a Category Development Leader for Grocery in Melbourne. This full-time (fixed term to Oct 2027) role reports to the Category Development Head and drives the category strategy for the Breakfast portfolio, translating market and shopper insights into strategic business plans for Coles and Woolworths.

You will partner with sales and account teams, generate actionable opportunities from data, and lead joint business planning to deliver growth while ensuring

Qualifications

• FMCG Grocery experience in category or customer management with major retailers.
• Data-led proficiency with market measurement databases.
• Commercial acumen to translate analytics into actionable opportunities.
• Strong relationship-building with internal teams and retail partners.
• Proactive mindset in a fast-paced environment.
• Education aligned with business/marketing or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, preparation, and execution of category range reviews for Coles and Woolworths.
• Partner with Sales and Account Management to align category strategies with commercial goals.
• Analyze market data to uncover actionable opportunities and build category stories for buyers.
• Drive Perfect Store execution, optimizing range, shelf space, and touchpoints.
• Build relationships with internal teams and external retail partners as a trusted advisor.

Education

Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, or related discipline

Tools

Nielsen

Circana (IRI)

Quantium

Job description

Job Description:

Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, NUTRI GRAIN®, COCO POPS®, PRINGLES®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® . We are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive.

About the role: Mars Snacking Australia

Role Title: Category Development Leader - Grocery

Location: Melbourne, Vic

Hours: Full-time. Fixed term until October 2027

Reporting to: Category Development Head

We are looking for a highly capable, analytical, and commercially savvy Category Development Leader to lead and execute the category strategy for our critical Grocery Breakfast portfolio.

In this role you will translate robust market, retailer, and shopper insights into strategic business plans. Serving as a key advisor to both our major retail partners (Coles and Woolworths) and our internal sales teams, you will play a vital role in upcoming category range reviews and Joint Business Planning (JBP) cycles.

If you have experience navigating the major Australian grocery retailers and love translating complex data into winning shopper stories, this is your opportunity to shine.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Range Reviews: Lead the development, preparation, and execution of major range reviews for Coles and Woolworths. You will utilise advanced market analysis and shopper insights to deliver optimal shelf and category layouts.
• Strategic Co-Pilot: Partner closely with Sales and Account Management teams to align category strategies with commercial goals, driving joint business planning initiatives that result in mutual growth.
• Insight Generation: Analyse and interpret complex market data to uncover actionable opportunities. Turn raw data into compelling category stories and strategic recommendations for retail buyers.
• Perfect Store Execution: Drive category execution standards, identifying opportunities to improve range, shelf space, and shopper touchpoints.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain high-impact relationships with internal cross-functional teams and external retail partners, positioning Mars as a trusted category advisor.

What You Will Bring

• FMCG Grocery Experience: in category or customer management working with Coles and/or Woolworths preferred
• Data-Led Proficiency: in using market measurement and customer databases, such as Nielsen, Circana (IRI), and Quantium.
• Commercial Acumen: The ability to translate analytical data into simple, commercial, and actionable category opportunities.
• Exceptional Relationship Building: Outstanding communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional internal teams and external retail partners.
• A Proactive Mindset: Highly driven, curious, and comfortable stepping into a fast-paced environment.
• Education: Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical industry experience.

Why you’ll love working for Mars:

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
• People: A culture that values your contributions, foster leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.