Senior Category Manager
Job Location:
Christchurch - UK
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Things move quickly here at Foodies and our Merchandise team is no exception. This is the team that connects the product to the customer decisions around range pricing promotions and how we show up on the shelf. From partnering with suppliers to digging into the data were always striving to deliver better value and better experiences for our customers.
Were an ambitious bunch who value clarity accountability and follow-through and in a nutshell would describe our culture as work hard have a laugh. Weve got some real momentum heading into the second half of 2026 and are looking for people passionate about shaping how we win and grow together.
Join us and feed the South.
As a Senior Category Manager youll own the strategy and performance of the Snacking categories shaping how we deliver range price and promotions for our South Island customers. Youll use customer market and commercial insights to make clear well-judged decisions that drive category performance balancing customer value supplier outcomes and long-term business objectives.
Reporting to the Head of Business Grocery Food & Beverage this is an impactful role within our Merchandise team where youll lead both category performance and supplier partnerships across your portfolios. Youll take the lead on complex commercial decisions and negotiations bringing together different perspectives to land the right outcomes. Youll also lead and coach a Category Manager and a Category and Promotions Planner - setting clear expectations building capability and empowering them as they grow in their roles.
This role is based in Christchurch. If youre currently elsewhere and thinking this could be a good excuse to make a move great! Were open to helping make a move happen for the right person.
Key accountabilities
- Own the strategy and performance of designated categories delivering against range price and promotional outcomes
- Lead customer-driven category plans aligned to banner strategy balancing customer value and commercial performance
- Build and lead senior supplier partnerships including complex negotiations and trade investment decisions
- Deliver category reviews and own joint business planning with key supplier partners
- Use data and insights to inform decisions and continuously improve category performance
- Work cross-functionally to align range pricing promotions and in-store execution
Youll be an experienced category manager who knows how to build and maintain supplier relationships including negotiation and commercial agreements. Youll understand what drives category performance and know how to bring people and teams on the journey with you. Ideally youll also bring:
- Experience in FMCG ideally within category management or a similar commercial role
- Strong influencing skills with the ability to navigate differing views and still land outcomes
- Experience using data and insights to inform decision-making and drive performance
- Strong planning and organisational capability managing multiple moving parts without losing focus
- Experience leading or coaching others with a focus on building capability and performance
Dont Meet Every Requirement We encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for individuals with diverse experiences and are keen to hear from those who believe they have the drive and potential to succeed in this role.
Ready to take on the challenge Click apply to apply for the role!Applications will close11:59pm Sunday 5 July 2026 and will only be accepted via our careers site.
Keen on joining the team but think this might not be the right role for you Were hiring for other roles within our merchandise team as well! Click below to check them out:
If you have any questions about the role or experience any issuessubmittingyour application please email
- Our approach to flexible working is based on trusting and empowering our peopleto managetheir time and deliver results while balancing the needs of their personal lives.
- Werecommitted toequitableoutcomes andwe offeradditionalpaid parental leave free periodproductsand financial health checks to name a few.
- We support your wellbeing withSouthern Cross health insurance for you and your family after a qualifying period discounts at local gyms access to online wellbeing toolsand aprayer and privacy roomonsite.
- We offer continuous learning and professional growth as well asaccess to our extensive online training library and endless opportunities.
- Wereproud of our supportiveteam environment andour positiveandfriendly culturethatsmade fun by Furry Friend Fridays and monthly social events!
- Werea Pride Pledge organisation and we are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives every day and we celebrate our diversity as strength.
- Our Papanui based office has free carparking an in-house café.
Werea team of 14000 who make sure South Islanders have access to the groceries and essentials they need. Proudly 100% Kiwi-owned and operated our co-operative has more than180PAKnSAVE New World Four Square and On theSpotstores feeding the South Island.
We value being at the heart of our communities likewevealways been to make the South Island a better place for today and for many generations to come. From sunny Golden Bay all the way to Stewart Islandtheresa Foodstuffs store serving you and your whānau.
Our success is down to our people who bring their skills experience passion andexpertiseto make Foodies an amazing and rewarding place to work. Our co-op has a wide variety of roles to offer and endless opportunities for to to learn a little more about us and the awesome work we do.
Required Experience:
Manager
