Category Manager

Total Tools and Hardware Group; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career Growth

Inclusive Culture

Neutral Pay Gap

Mental Health accreditation

Flexibility

Job summary

Total Tools & Hardware Group (Part of Metcash) is seeking a Category Manager for a 12-month maternity leave contract in Heatherton, VIC. You’ll own the end-to-end performance of a sizeable category and partner with stores to manage ranging and product setup.

With support from a Category Assistant, you’ll negotiate trading terms, manage a large supplier base and drive promotional activity while ensuring regulatory compliance and strong supplier engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in Category Management, Buying or Merchandise within retail or FMCG.
• Strong commercial judgement and ability to manage high-volume categories.
• Experience dealing with large numbers of suppliers and complex portfolios.
• Ability to manage seasonality, complexity and competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end performance of a sizeable category.
• Negotiate trading terms and develop promotional offers to drive sales.
• Manage a large and diverse supplier base.
• Partner with stores to manage ranging and product setup in systems.
• Handle supplier inquiries and resolve issues with a practical mindset.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Use customer trends and store insights to guide decisions.

Tools

ERP / retail systems

Job description

About The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager to join our Merchandise team on a 12-month Maternity Leave contract.

Date: 20 Sept 2026

Location: Heatherton, VIC

Company: Metcash

With the support of a Category Assistant, you’ll work with one of the largest supplier groups, requiring strong relationship management, clear communication and a hands‑on approach. This is a fantastic role for someone with strong understanding of category fundamentals and the energy to manage a fast‑moving, operationally complex portfolio.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Owning the end‑to‑end performance of a sizeable category
• Negotiating trading terms and developing compelling promotional offers to drive sales
• Managing a large and diverse supplier base
• Partnering closely with stores to manage ranging and product set‑up within systems
• Handling high levels of supplier engagement, queries and issue resolution with a practical, solutions‑focused mindset
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
• Using customer trends and store insights to guide ranging, availability and category decisions

You’re Likely a Match If You have

• Experience in Category Management, Buying or Merchandise within retail or FMCG
• Strong commercial judgement and confidence managing high‑volume categories
• Experience working with large numbers of suppliers, including smaller or less‑commercial operators
• The ability to manage complexity, seasonality and competing priorities
• Solid decision‑making skills with a practical, hands‑on approach
• Strong communication skills and the energy to stay on top of a busy supplier portfolio

What’s On Offer

• Career Growth: Endless learning and development opportunities
• Inclusive Culture: Bronze Employer for LGBTQ Inclusion
• Neutral Pay Gap: Gender pay gap under 5% (WGEA 2024–2025)
• Mental Health: Gold accreditation by Mental Health Australia
• Flexibility: Flex Ready and Family Friendly Workplace accredited

About Us

At Total Tools & Hardware Group (Part of Metcash), we’re more than just a group of hardware and tool retailers — we’re a national network helping build stronger communities.

Backed by trusted brands like Mitre 10, Total Tools, and Home Timber & Hardware, we support independently owned, joint venture, and company‑owned stores across Australia. With a strong focus on local ownership and expert advice, we help tradies, builders, and DIYers tackle every job with confidence.