International Category Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Hellofresh; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Headspace access

Internal learning & development

Global presence (18 countries)

HelloFresh employee benefits 70% off

Job summary

HelloFresh is seeking an International Category Manager to shape and execute the protein category strategy, reporting to the Associate Director Fresh. Based in Sydney or Auckland, you will lead supplier negotiations and drive cost efficiency and supply resilience.

You will own category strategy, analyze markets, manage high-value negotiations, build supplier networks in New Zealand, and partner with senior stakeholders to deliver innovative, sustainable sourcing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in strategic procurement or category management (FMCG/food/c consumer goods).
• Experience leading high-value supplier negotiations and complex relationships.
• Proven track record delivering measurable category outcomes.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with large data sets.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive category strategy with multi-year sourcing roadmaps.
• Lead market analysis to identify risks, opportunities, and advantage.
• Act as senior escalation point for category issues and decisions.
• Lead high-value supplier negotiations for long-term value.
• Build and manage supplier network across New Zealand.
• Maintain senior-level supplier relationships for partnerships.
• Lead cost reporting, tendering, invoice validation, and compliance.
• Influence a diverse range of senior stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Excel analytics

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or SCM

Job description

The International Category Manager is reporting to Associate Director Fresh and will be based either at our office in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia or at our office in Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand.

In this role you will play a critical leadership role in shaping and executing the strategy for one of our fast-paced categories, our protein category. You will lead complex supplier negotiations, setting strategic direction, and driving both cost efficiency and supply chain resilience. You will be the primary escalation point for operational issues, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and serve as a key cross-functional partner in bringing innovative and sustainable sourcing strategies to life.

You will…

• Own and drive the category strategy, setting multi-year sourcing roadmaps aligned to business objectives.
• Lead market analysis and category reviews to proactively identify risks, opportunities, and competitive advantage.
• Act as the senior point of escalation for category issues, making decisions with confidence and autonomy.
• Lead high-value, complex supplier negotiations with a focus on long-term value creation.
• Build, develop, and manage a high-performing supplier network across New Zealand.
• Establish and maintain robust supplier relationships at a senior level, driving strategic partnerships and collaborative innovation.
• Lead cost reporting, tendering, invoice validation, and compliance activities across the category.
• Lead and influence a diverse range of senior stakeholders across the business.

You have/are …

• 5+ years of strategic procurement, supply chain, or category management experience — ideally within FMCG, food, or consumer goods.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex supplier negotiations and managing high-value supplier relationships.
• Proven track record of developing and executing category strategies that deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
• Strong analytical capability, including advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large data sets.
• Exceptional communication skills — written and verbal — with demonstrated ability to present to and influence senior leadership.
• Knowledge of and genuine interest in food — produce industry experience highly desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or equivalent.
• An entrepreneurial mindset: proactive, solutions-oriented, and comfortable navigating ambiguity at pace.
• A strategic thinker who can operate at both a high level and dive deep into operational detail when needed.

What you’ll get in return…

• The chance to have a significant impact in a leading global food technology company
• Flexible working arrangements
• Egoless environment, constant learning with room for personal growth
• Free access to Headspace
• Internal learning & development
• A diverse and vibrant international environment, with offices in 18 countries
• Competitive salary & benefits - 70% off HelloFresh

Start Date: Immediately available - Can wait a notice period

Duration: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract. You must have the right to work full-time in Australia and or New Zealand.

Location: Penrose, Auckland (New Zealand) or Chippendale, Sydney (Australia)

Salary: Competitive salary & employee benefits