Category Manager

Metcash; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Well-being days

Volunteer day

Career growth opportunities

Gender-neutral parental leave

Inclusive culture recognition

Flexible workplace accreditation

Job summary

Total Tools & Hardware Group (Part of Metcash) is seeking a Category Manager for our Heatherton–based Trade Merchandise team. You’ll own a strategic category, manage a large SKU base, and build strong supplier relationships to shape ranges that win on value and profitability.

You’ll collaborate with stores and internal teams, translate trends into commercial actions, and drive promotional programs that excite customers in Australia’s regional and national network.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Category Management, Buying or Merchandise roles.
• Strong commercial acumen with confidence negotiating with large suppliers.
• Experience managing complex ranges, pricing structures and promotional programs.
• A customer‑first mindset with the ability to translate trends into commercial outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills balancing margin and competitiveness.
• Ability to partner cross‑functionally with stores, suppliers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Owning the end‑to‑end performance of a highly strategic category.
• Managing a large, complex SKU base with a focus on commercial outcomes.
• Building and leading strategic supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, trading terms and promotional plans.
• Delivering engaging promotional programs that drive sales and customer interest.
• Partnering with stores to gather feedback, shape ranges and ensure the category delivers at store level.
• Staying on top of customer trends and category developments to keep the range market‑leading.

Skills

Category Management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

About the Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for a Category Manager to join our Trade Merchandise team at our Heatherton National Support Office. This is a high‑impact role where you’ll take ownership of one of our trade categories in our hardware pillar.

With the support of a Category Assistant, you’ll work closely with major suppliers, drive promotional programs that genuinely excite customers, and partner with stores to shape ranges that win on value, relevance and profitability.

This role offers deep exposure to supplier negotiations, promotional strategy, trend‑led ranging and store collaboration - ideal for a commercially sounded Category Manager who enjoys both strategy and hands‑on execution.

What you’ll be doing

• Owning the end‑to‑end performance of a highly strategic category
• Managing a large, complex SKU base with a strong focus on commercial outcomes
• Building and leading strategic supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, trading terms and promotional plans
• Delivering engaging promotional programs that drive sales and customer interest
• Partnering closely with stores to gather feedback, shape ranges and ensure the category delivers at store level
• Staying on top of customer trends, and category developments to keep the range relevant and market‑leading

You’re likely a match if you have

• Proven experience in Category Management, Buying or Merchandise roles
• Strong commercial acumen with confidence negotiating with large, branded suppliers
• Experience managing complex ranges, pricing structures and promotional programs
• A customer‑first mindset with the ability to translate trends into commercial outcomes
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to balance margin, income and competitiveness
• The confidence to partner cross‑functionally with stores, suppliers and internal teams
• Knowledge in Trade/Building Supplies will be beneficial but not essential

What’s on offer

We’re proud to offer a workplace that supports your well‑being, growth, and belonging:

• Extra Leave: Enjoy a 5th week of annual leave, 2 well‑being days, plus 1 volunteer day annually
• Career Growth: Endless learning and development opportunities
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of gender‑neutral paid leave for primary carers
• 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, TTHG supports independently owned, joint venture, and company‑owned stores across Australia.

With a strong focus on local ownership and expert advice, we give tradies, builders, and DIYers the edge they need to tackle any job — big or small. Whether it’s trade‑quality tools from Total Tools or reliable hardware from Mitre 10 and HTH, TTHG is the powerhouse behind the stores that keep Australia building.