Commercial Planning & Category Manager

Overview

LifeStyles Healthcare is seeking a Commercial Planning & Category Manager to join their Melbourne team, reporting to the Head of Commercial ANZ. This permanent full-time position offers a salary range of 130,000 to 150,000 AUD annually. The role combines finance, data analytics, and FMCG category management to drive business growth through demand forecasting, financial modelling, and performance tracking.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the rolling forecasts (short to long term) for volume, value, and mix, including risk assessments and scenario analyses aligned with business goals.
• Assist with the annual operating plan and long-term strategy by translating market and business trends into actionable commercial plans.
• Collaborate with Finance to ensure forecast accuracy, profit and loss transparency, and alignment of revenue and margin targets.
• Analyze category performance through scan data and shopper insights to identify growth opportunities and support category strategies with Sales and Marketing.
• Support range reviews, assortment optimization, pricing and promotional strategies, and new product launches across key retail channels.
• Incorporate shopper insights into retailer interactions to influence decisions on shelf space, promotions, and in-store execution.
• Develop financial models to evaluate business initiatives, including ROI and sensitivity analyses.
• Monitor key performance indicators such as revenue, net sales value, gross profit, market share, and promotional returns, providing insights and recommended actions.
• Build business cases with clear assumptions and measurable outcomes to guide decision-making.
• Contribute to Sales & Operations Planning by supporting monthly demand reviews and continuous improvement efforts to enhance forecast accuracy and inventory health.
• Leverage syndicated data sources and internal ERP/finance systems to create comprehensive reports and data visualizations using Power BI or Tableau.
• Effectively communicate analytical insights into clear commercial recommendations for internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Prepare business reports and customer presentations to support sales activities and performance evaluations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Marketing, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in finance, analytics, or commercial planning roles such as FP&A, demand planning, category insights, or trade marketing; FMCG or Australian retail experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Advanced financial modelling skills in Excel, including forecasting, scenario analysis, and P&L management.
• Familiarity with syndicated data platforms like Circana or IRI; experience with retailer data portals advantageous.
• Proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau, with strong data storytelling capabilities.
• Understanding of ERP or BI systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and knowledge of S&OP/demand planning processes is beneficial.

Desired Competencies

• Strong analytical skills with curiosity about commercial performance and comfort integrating financial and market data.
• Detail-oriented problem solver with a proactive mindset focused on actionable outcomes.
• Effective communicator capable of simplifying complex information and building consensus across teams.

Key Performance Indicators

• Accuracy and bias of volume and value forecasts, adherence to S&OP/IBP cycles.
• Achievement of category and customer growth targets including market share, net sales value, gross margin, and promotional ROI.

Additional Information

LifeStyles Healthcare, with over a century of history beginning in Australia, is a global leader in sexual wellness products available in more than 60 countries. The company values diversity and inclusivity, promoting sexual health through community partnerships. LifeStyles operates manufacturing facilities internationally and employs over 1,600 people worldwide. Owned by Linden Capital Partners since 2022, the organisation is embarking on a new phase of growth and innovation, fostering a culture rooted in integrity, teamwork, and respect.

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their financial modelling, forecasting, and analytics experience, preferably with examples from FMCG or retail contexts. Selected candidates will undertake a case study focused on category diagnosis and forecasting.

LifeStyles Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion in the workplace.