Category Manager

Team Overview

At Foodies within Foodstuffs South Island, our Merchandise team works swiftly to bridge products with customers by making strategic decisions on range, pricing, promotions, and shelf presentation. We collaborate closely with suppliers and analyze market data to enhance value and customer experience. Our culture emphasizes clarity, responsibility, and persistence, balanced with a fun, hardworking environment as we push forward in 2026. Join us in feeding the South Island community.

Role Summary

The Category Manager will oversee category performance, directing range, pricing, and promotional strategies tailored for South Island customers. Leveraging customer insights, commercial data, and market trends, you will make informed decisions to boost outcomes. Reporting to the Merchandise Manager handling Bakery, Deli, and Café sectors, this role entails close partnerships with suppliers and internal teams to execute successful initiatives and contribute to commercial negotiations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category plans encompassing assortment, pricing, and promotional campaigns.
• Maintain ongoing supplier relationships to support business conversations and negotiations.
• Lead category reviews and participate in joint business planning activities.
• Analyze data and insights to identify growth opportunities and enhance category performance.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure plans are effectively executed in the market.
• Manage priorities and ensure consistent follow-through across assigned categories.

Candidate Profile

You will likely currently hold a role in FMCG or commercial environments, possibly near category management, or aspire to enter it. A proactive self-starter who cultivates strong relationships and sees initiatives through to completion, ideally bringing:

• Experience in FMCG or comparable commercial settings.
• Exposure to supplier interactions or supporting commercial decision-making processes.
• Clear communication and pragmatic problem-solving skills.
• Competence in data analysis and reporting to extract insights and guide daily commercial decisions.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Note: Candidates who may not meet all criteria but possess strong motivation and potential are encouraged to apply.

Working at Foodstuffs South Island

• A flexible work approach based on trust, empowering balance between personal life and professional results.
• Commitment to equitable benefits including extended parental leave, complimentary period products, and financial wellbeing resources.
• Health and wellbeing support via Southern Cross insurance post-eligibility, gym discounts, online wellbeing services, and dedicated quiet spaces.
• Ongoing learning opportunities through extensive training libraries and professional development paths.
• A supportive and friendly team culture highlighted by social events such as Furry Friend Fridays.
• Recognition as a Pride Pledge organization, fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated daily.
• Office amenities including free parking and an in-house café at our Papanui location.

About Foodstuffs South Island

We are a cooperative of 14,000 individuals dedicated to providing groceries and essentials to South Island communities through over 180 retail outlets like PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, and On the Spot. As a 100% Kiwi-owned operator, we prioritize community connection, sustainability, and long-term regional wellbeing from Golden Bay to Stewart Island.

Our Values

At Foodies, collaboration and collective effort fuel our success, fostering innovation and confronting challenges as a united team. We are devoted to supporting our people, ensuring every day positively impacts South Islanders and their whānau.