Customer Development Manager - Independents

Job Description

Job Description:

Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and future generations can truly thrive.

About the role: This role will be working for our Mars ​Food Nutrition​ segment, where we help to make it easier for people to eat healthy meals and explore flavors from around the world.

The Customer Development Manager – Independents plays a pivotal role in driving brand growth, relevance, and distribution within the Metcash channel. Partnering closely with National Account Managers, this role leads activation planning, delivers data-driven category insights, and provides ongoing support to the field team to ensure strong execution. With responsibility for mini MSO, Chrisco, and clearance accounts, the role blends strategic activation with hands-on account management and strong operational governance.

Role Title: Customer Development Manager – Independents
Location: Asquith, Sydney NSW
Hours: Full-time, Hybrid working
Reporting to: Customer Director – Independents

What you’ll do:

• Partner with National Account Managers to plan and execute activation initiatives across Independent customers within the Metcash channel.

• Leverage data, reporting, and insights to track performance, optimise distribution, and drive category growth.

• Collaborate with Account Managers and third-party field teams to deliver clear tools, guidance, and execution priorities aligned to strategic objectives.

• Manage end-to-end account responsibility for a portfolio including mini MSOs, Chrisco, and clearance channels (pricing, promotions, NPD, and distribution).

• Ensure strong financial and operational discipline through effective claims processing, aged accrual management, and invoicing support.

Your unique ingredients:

• Degree qualification in commerce or business discipline preferred but not essential

• Strong organisational skills with a strong attention to detail

• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint for reporting, analysis, and presentation

• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds

• Demonstrated ability to develop influential and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret data to drive decisions

• Results-oriented, proactive, and service-focused, with a strong drive to achieve objectives

Why you’ll love working for Mars:

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.

• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.

• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.

• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

We know everyone’s needs are different, and we’re committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We’ll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.