Category Manager - Produce

About Foodstuffs North Island

We are Foodstuffs North Island Limited, the team behind popular supermarket chains such as New World, PAK’nSAVE, and Four Square. With over 300 stores and more than 24,000 passionate team members across the North Island, we are committed to supporting local communities by providing excellent service and celebrating the unique spirit of our people.

Role Overview

As a Category Manager for Produce, you will oversee a vital and fast-paced category essential to customers' shopping experience. Your role involves collaborating intimately with growers, suppliers, and Owner Operators to craft category strategies, boost sales, negotiate pricing, and ensure access to fresh, high-quality produce at competitive prices.

Key Duties

• Manage the produce category as a strategic business unit, meeting financial goals related to sales, volume, and margins.
• Create and implement category plans that reflect customer preferences, seasonal trends, and the company's overall strategy.
• Develop strong partnerships with growers, suppliers, and store teams to enhance the supply chain outcomes for produce.
• Lead pricing strategies, promotional campaigns, range assessments, and analyze category performance to maximize value for customers and member stores.
• Utilize customer insights, market data, and category analytics to make data-driven decisions and discover growth opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop your team to foster a cooperative and high-achieving work culture.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates may come from Produce, FMCG, Retail, Wholesale, Agriculture, or other category-driven commercial sectors. You should possess sharp commercial insight, thrive in dynamic environments, and be adept at building effective, mutually advantageous relationships.

Essential Attributes and Skills

• Experience with category management or fresh produce is advantageous though not strictly required.
• Strong commercial judgment with aptitude for data analysis and opportunity identification.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management capabilities.
• Outstanding planning, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to quickly adjust and prioritize within a dynamic trading landscape.
• Collaborative leadership skills with a record of coaching teams to success.

Benefits and Workplace Culture

• Competitive base salary package including bonuses and a tool-of-trade vehicle.
• Access to over 1,000 free car parks including electric vehicle charging stations.
• Subsidized Southern Cross health insurance coverage.
• Onsite café with subsidized meals, a mini mart, and a 5% discount at retail stores.
• Flexible work arrangements, birthday day off, and long service leave options.
• Comprehensive learning and development programs, flu vaccinations, and social groups known as 'Tribes'.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels empowered. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities or neurodiversity. Accessibility support is available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

Additional Information

Our recruitment process may incorporate AI tools for candidate assessment, but ultimate hiring decisions are made by human personnel. Candidates seeking further details on data handling can contact us directly.

If you are ready to contribute your expertise and grow with us, we encourage you to submit your application.