Project Manager - Initiatives Lead

Company overview

JDE Peet’s is a global coffee business behind brands loved in many markets, with a strong footprint across more than 100 countries. As part of a brand-led growth strategy, the company focuses on major international brands alongside well-known local favourites in New Zealand such as Moccona, L’OR, Hummingbird, Bell Tea, Jed’s, Ti Ora and others. In 2025, the business reported total sales of EUR 9.9 billion and a workforce of over 21,000 people worldwide.

About the role

We are hiring an experienced Project Manager – Initiatives Lead for a permanent, full-time position in Auckland. The role partners with teams across the business to plan and deliver a range of initiatives, including new product launches, change programs, promotional work and efforts to simplify complexity.

This position requires a disciplined project management approach to ensure work is completed on schedule, within scope and budget, and in line with business priorities.

What you will do

• Own initiatives from early feasibility review through implementation and post-launch evaluation.
• Build project plans that define scope, timelines, milestones, resources and risk controls.
• Work closely with cross-functional groups such as Supply Chain, R&D, Procurement and external partners to keep delivery on track.
• Prepare project documents including business cases, plans, status updates and progress reports.
• Run governance meetings and forums that support alignment, decision-making and accountability.
• Track and manage risks, issues and dependencies, and remove obstacles to delivery.
• Coordinate trial and launch-readiness work so materials, systems and resources are all aligned.
• Support stakeholders through transitions and change activities according to project schedules.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and reduce complexity across the portfolio.
• Ensure all work meets safety, quality and compliance expectations while staying within time and budget targets.
• Assist with facility and site-related needs as part of project execution.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate brings solid project management experience, preferably in FMCG or another demanding, fast-moving environment. You should be comfortable managing several projects at once, each with different priorities and deadlines.

Strong stakeholder management skills are important, including the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organisation. Commercial judgment, budgeting experience, timeline control and risk management capability are also essential.

You should work in a structured, results-driven way and be confident in planning, organising and solving problems. Experience using project management systems and Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word is required. Formal training or certification such as PRINCE2 or PMP is viewed favourably. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent tertiary qualification is expected.

Perks and benefits

• Competitive pay plus a discretionary bonus opportunity.
• Half a day off on your birthday.
• Medical cover for you and your family.
• Income protection and life insurance.
• Learning and development support for professional growth.
• Quarterly free staff boxes with a variety of coffee and tea brands, plus access to discounted employee purchases.

Additional information

Applicants may be asked to provide a short cover letter in the message section explaining their motivation for joining JDE Peet’s in this role. Questions before applying can be directed to the company talent team by email. Applications sent by email are not accepted.

Only candidates who already have the legal right to work in New Zealand without restrictions will be considered.

The company remains focused on its global strategy of brand-led growth across its core international brands and selected local icons.