Category Manager - Beauty (Skincare & Cosmetics)

Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA); Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on health, wellness andbeaut

Parental leave scheme

Private health insurance discounts

Supportive team culture

Autonomy to own your work

Head office near public transport

Career growth opportunities across DBG

Job summary

DBG Health is seeking a Category Manager – Beauty to lead skincare and cosmetics for Independent Pharmacies Australia in Melbourne. You will translate customer insights into compelling ranges, set pricing and promotions with suppliers, and drive growth for member pharmacies.

You will negotiate with brands, manage inventory with the Demand Planner, mentor the Category Assistant, and collaborate across Marketing, Finance and Operations to deliver measurable results.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in category management or related commercial role
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain or related discipline
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills
• Strong financial acumen: sales, pricing, margins, category performance
• Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies for growth
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Experience mentoring or leading a team across Marketing, Finance and Operations

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category plans to grow skincare and cosmetics sales
• Lead pricing, promotions and product assortment strategies
• Build and manage supplier and wholesaler partnerships and contracts
• Create joint business plans and lead quarterly/annual reviews
• Analyse sales, margins and category performance to drive targets
• Drive supplier income through promotional initiatives with Marketing
• Oversee competitive pricing and protect category margins
• Collaborate with Demand Planner on inventory, stock and allocations
• Mentor the Category Assistant and foster innovation
• Uphold health, safety and wellbeing practices per IPA policies

Skills

Category management

Procurement

Merchandising

Negotiation

Data interpretation

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Business/Marketing/Supply Chain)

Job description

About DBG Health & Independent Pharmacies Australia

DBG Health is a leading independent health, wellness and beauty company headquartered in Melbourne. Our diverse portfolio includes Arrotex Pharmaceuticals, Axia Beauty, Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) and myDNA, bringing together businesses across health, wellness and beauty. With over 1,500 dedicated professionals, we are committed to delivering affordable, innovative solutions that enhance people's wellbeing.

IPA is one of Australia's largest pharmacy networks and has supported independent pharmacies for over 20 years. We give our members access to market-leading trading terms, marketing campaigns, merchandising support, professional service leadership and technology, including ecommerce. Our mission is to support independent pharmacies to grow and deliver tailored health solutions that strengthen their local communities.

Our values-Pioneering, Accountability, Collaboration and Tenacity-form the PACT we make to bring our best every day.

About The Role

Bring your passion for beauty and commercial expertise to IPA as our Category Manager – Beauty, leading a portfolio focused on skincare and cosmetics.

You'll turn customer insights and emerging beauty trends into compelling product ranges, competitive pricing and promotional campaigns that deliver results for our member pharmacies. Working with leading beauty brands and suppliers, you'll develop and execute category strategies that grow sales, strengthen margins and create engaging in-store and promotional experiences.

With responsibility spanning supplier negotiations, category performance, inventory planning and mentoring a Category Assistant, this role offers the opportunity to combine strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery and make a tangible impact across community pharmacy.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute category plans that grow beauty sales, improve profitability and deliver value for member pharmacies.
• Lead pricing, promotional and product assortment strategies that strengthen competitiveness across community pharmacies.
• Build strong supplier and wholesaler partnerships, leading commercial negotiations and contracts.
• Develop joint business plans with key suppliers and lead quarterly reviews, annual reviews and planning meetings.
• Analyse sales, margins and category performance, translating insights into actions that deliver financial and strategic targets.
• Drive supplier income through promotional initiatives and partner with Marketing to maximise campaign opportunities.
• Oversee competitive retail pricing, protect category margins and support new product development.
• Partner with the Demand Planner to manage inventory levels, discontinued lines and stock allocation.
• Lead and mentor the Category Assistant, supporting their development and fostering innovation and accountability.
• Uphold and promote health, safety, and wellbeing practices in line with IPA policies and organisational values.

What You'll Bring

You’ll combine commercial judgement with strong supplier relationships and the ability to turn data into clear category decisions. Your skills and experience will include:

• 5-8+ years' experience in category management, procurement, merchandising or a related commercial role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• Strong negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to build and manage supplier relationships.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience analysing sales, pricing, margins and category performance.
• Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies that drive growth and profitability.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach to working across Marketing, Finance and Operations.
• Experience translating data and insights into strategic decisions and commercial opportunities.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with experience mentoring or managing team members.

Why join DBG Health?

Join a values-driven team where you can take ownership, contribute to meaningful change and develop your career alongside industry leaders.

DBG Health Is Defined By Good. Our Purpose Is To Create a World Where Feeling Better Is a Right, Not a Privilege. Millions Of People Rely On Us For Access To Affordable Products And Services That Help Them Feel Better. As Part Of Our Team, You'll Contribute To That Purpose While Enjoying

• Exclusive discounts on our consumer health, wellness and beauty products, including MCo Beauty, E.L.F Cosmetics, Nude by Nature, Chemists Own and many more.
• A generous parental leave scheme-ask us about it.
• Access to discounted private health insurance through Australian Unity, AIA Health or NIB.
• A supportive, friendly team culture grounded in our values.
• Autonomy to take ownership of your work and drive results.
• A convenient head office location close to public transport, cafes and restaurants.
• Opportunities to grow your career across DBG Health, including Arrotex Pharmaceuticals, VidaCorp Consumer Goods, Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group and Axe Health Services.
• The option to purchase additional leave for family time, travel or study.
• Access to novated leasing options for vehicle costs.

DBG Health is committed to fostering a workplace culture that is safe and accessible for all. We are an equal- opportunity employer and encourage applications regardless of cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or neurodiversity. We strive to build a collaborative, inclusive workplace that is representative of the communities we work and live in.