Head of Independent Channels & Business Development

Drive growth and shape the future of independent retail with Are Direct.

About Are Direct

Are Direct, a division of Are Media, delivers magazines and merchandise to over 4,500 retailers across Australia. Operating from our 8,000 m² distribution centre in Moorebank, NSW, we provide end-to-end logistics and warehousing solutions. Through our B2B platform, The Market Hub, independent retailers access toys, gifts, stationery, and general merchandise with reliable fulfilment. As a trusted partner, Are Direct combines scale, efficiency, and retail reach to support suppliers and customers across Australia.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic leader to head our independent retail channel, with a strategic focus on the newsagent network. Reporting directly to the General Manager and based in Sydney CBD, you will be part of the senior leadership team, responsible for driving business development, marketing, and commercial growth. You will manage relationships with existing retailers, secure new accounts, and ensure merchandising and promotional standards are met. This role is pivotal as Are Direct evolves from traditional distribution to a broader wholesale and logistics model, ensuring independent retailers especially newsagents remain at the heart of our business.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Management: Develop annual account plans for top independents, schedule quarterly business reviews, and use data insights to identify upsell opportunities.
• Newsagent Network Leadership: Champion newsagent-specific initiatives, drive engagement, and support newsagents through industry changes. Develop scalable loyalty and marketing programmes tailored to the newsagent channel.
• New Business Development: Build and maintain a pipeline of prospects, conduct regular prospect meetings, and prepare proposals for new business and channel expansion.
• Trade Marketing & Promotions: Develop and execute marketing calendars and loyalty programmes, manage merchandising service providers, and plan major in-store campaigns.
• Reporting & KPIs: Monitor and report on key marketing and sales KPIs, including newsagent network performance, sales growth, retention, and compliance.
• Voice of Customer & Collaboration: Collect and share customer feedback, engage regularly with newsagent stakeholders and associations, and collaborate with internal teams to deliver marketing and operational initiatives.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a small team, fostering a culture of innovation, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Personal & Professional Development: Invest in your own learning and wellbeing and encourage your team to do the same.

About You

• Proven experience in business development, securing new accounts, and retail marketing—independent retail and newsagent experience highly regarded.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with direct reports, including performance management and team development.
• Excellent organisational, administrative, and analytical skills, with advanced Excel and data analysis capability.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deliver to tight deadlines, and proactively identify process improvements.
• A degree in Marketing, Commerce, Business, or a related field is desirable.

Why Join Us?

This is a pivotal role in a business evolving from traditional distribution to a full-service wholesale and logistics provider. You’ll have the opportunity to influence strategy, drive growth, and make a real impact in a changing market.

We offer excellent people programs including:

• A day of leave for your birthday,
• 4 days of volunteering leave each year,
• An inclusive parental leave program that supports all parents, families & carers,
• FREE digital access to all our titles, and
• Our unique Are Media Learning Academy (Digital Academy, Lunch N Learns, Mentoring and much more).    

At Are Media, you'll be in the office four days a week, with one day to work from home. 

Are Media is a proud member of Media Diversity Australia, a not-for-profit organisation working towards a media landscape that looks and sounds like Australia. We are committed to fostering diverse, respectful, collaborative & inclusive workplace. We know & value the success this brings for everyone and we welcome & encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. When you apply, please let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process. 

Please apply now and send your CV via the link.