National Events Lead

Metcash Trading Limited; Ryde; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra Leave: 5th week of annual leave

Well-being days

Volunteer day

Career growth opportunities

Parental leave

Mental health accreditation

Family friendly workplace

Job summary

Metcash Trading Limited in Australia is seeking a National Events Lead to join our Food pillar at Macquarie Park. You’ll oversee the flagship National Metcash Exhibition and other major events, coordinating with up to 400 suppliers to deliver superior experiences for partners and retailers.

This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on execution, ensuring events stay on budget and deliver value. A track record in large-scale events, strong project management, and stakeholder engagement are

Qualifications

• Strong experience in event management, preferably in retail or FMCG, including large-scale exhibitions.
• Excellent project management, administrative, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and event registration systems.
• Experience managing budgets, stakeholders, and suppliers.
• Strong communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and change management skills.
• Degree in communications, business, or events is highly regarded (but not essential).

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination, and delivery of the annual National Metcash Exhibition and other major events.
• Oversee large-scale exhibition floor plans and coordinate with up to 400 suppliers.
• Build and maintain systems, processes, and registration platforms to drive operational efficiency and sales.
• Oversee travel, accommodation, communications, and event administration across all events.
• Manage event governance, OH&S, compliance, and documentation to ensure smooth and safe execution.
• Support supplier and retailer events such as Supplier of the Year, Study Tours, and Challenges.
• Maintain event data, reporting dashboards, and provide insights for strategic decision‑making.
• Collaborate with internal teams, agencies, and vendors to ensure seamless delivery of all events.

Skills

Event management

Project management

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Change management

Education

Degree in communications, business, or events

Tools

Microsoft Office

Registration platforms

Job description

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At Metcash, you're part of something bigger. We've got the heart of a small business with the strength and support of a big business.

When you join Metcash, your work makes a real difference to independent businesses and local communities, empowering you to:

• Grow your career with tailored development programs
• Thrive your way with flexible work options
• Make your mark in a high-performing, values-led team

At Metcash Food, we're the power behind local business, proudly supplying over 1600 independently owned stores in every corner of Australia and New Zealand. With a range of trusted independent brands like IGA, Foodland and Campbells/C-Store, our stores sit at the heart of their communities, providing locals with the products and homegrown produce they love most.

About the Opportunity

We're looking for a National Events Lead to join our Food pillar at Macquarie Park!

You’ll play a key role in delivering Metcash's national communications and engagement program, including the flagship National Metcash Exhibition, as well as supplier, retailer, and corporate events. This role combines strategic oversight with hands‑on execution to ensure every event runs smoothly on budget and delivers exceptional experiences for our partners and retailers.

In this Role

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of the annual National Metcash Exhibition and other major events
• Oversee large‑scale exhibition floor plans and coordinate with up to 400 suppliers
• Build and maintain systems, processes, and registration platforms to drive operational efficiency and sales
• Oversee travel, accommodation, communications, and event administration across all events
• Manage event governance, OH&S, compliance, and documentation to ensure smooth and safe execution
• Support supplier and retailer events such as Supplier of the Year, Study Tours, and Challenges
• Maintain event data, reporting dashboards, and provide insights for strategic decision‑making
• Collaborate with internal teams, agencies, and vendors to ensure seamless delivery of all events

You’re Likely a Match If

• Strong experience in event management, preferably in retail or FMCG, including large‑scale exhibitions
• Excellent project management, administrative, and organizational skills
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office and event registration systems
• Experience managing budgets, stakeholders, and suppliersAbility to multitask and prioritize in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities
• Strong communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and change management skills
• Proactive and adaptable, with a degree in communications, business, or events highly regarded (but not essential)

What's on offer

• 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
• Mental Health: Gold accreditation by Mental Health Australia
• Flexibility: Flex Ready and Family Friendly Workplace accredited

About Us

Metcash is Australia's leading wholesale distribution company, with $19.5 billion in sales (FY26) and a proud spot in the ASX Top 125.

We believe in the power of independent, family‑owned businesses to shape vibrant communities. Through our food, liquor, and hardware pillars, we help retailers become the 'Best Store in Their Town' by providing merchandising, operational and marketing support.

We're committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability — and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including First Nations. If you need support during the application process, just let us know. Your privacy and dignity are always respected.

Join us and be part of something bigger!

This role is being managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.