At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative retail development and create exceptional store experiences across the IGA network.
- Company: Join Metcash, a leading wholesale distribution company with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy extra leave, career growth opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Other info: Flexible work options and commitment to diversity and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on independent businesses and local communities while driving retail innovation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in retail development with strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 123300 - 150700 $ per year.
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
- Make your mark in a high-performing, values-led team
- Thrive your way with flexible work options
About the Opportunity
Bring your retail vision to life. This is an opportunity to lead the next chapter of store development across the IGA network. You’ll bring a game-changing mindset to how independent supermarkets look, feel and operate — from innovation and store design through to refurbishment, construction, fit-out and equipment. Leading a diverse, multidisciplinary team, you’ll turn big ideas into exceptional retail environments that deliver for shoppers, retailers and the business.
In this Role, You Will:
- Set the vision for retail development — drive innovation, customer-led design and new capabilities to create best-in-class IGA store experiences.
- Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team across format development, planning, design, project delivery, signage and equipment, building capability and future leaders.
- Deliver major national projects from concept and design through to construction and fit-out, ensuring quality, safety, compliance, timelines and budgets are achieved.
- Drive commercial performance through P&L ownership, strong governance, procurement, project financial management and a relentless focus on ROI.
- Build strategic partnerships and influence change across Metcash, state teams, independent retailers, suppliers and contractors to deliver continuous improvement and stronger retail outcomes.
You’ll bring:
- You’re a senior retail development leader who combines strategic thinking with the ability to get things done.
- 10+ years’ experience across retail development, store expansion or capital projects, ideally within supermarkets or large-format retail.
- Significant experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex, national-scale projects.
- Strong expertise across retail design, construction, shop fit-outs and project delivery.
- Commercial and financial acumen, including P&L, budgeting, forecasting and ROI management.
- A genuine passion for customer-led retail, innovation and creating better shopping experiences.
What’s on Offer
- Extra Leave: 5th week of annual leave, 2 well-being days, 1 volunteer day
- 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
Metcash is Australia’s leading wholesale distribution company, with $19.5 billion in sales (FY25) 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!
Head of Retail Development & Store Excellence in Sydney employer: Metcash Limited
Metcash is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and work-life balance, offering hybrid working arrangements and additional leave benefits as a Family Friendly accredited workplace. With a strong commitment to employee growth through tailored learning and development opportunities, Metcash fosters an inclusive and supportive culture that values mental health and pay equity, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
