Category and Channel Development Manager – Grocery

Asahi Beverages; Auckland; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in Auckland is seeking a Category Manager to drive category growth strategies and execute plans tailored to customer needs. The ideal candidate has strong FMCG experience and expertise in category management, with a focus on strategic thinking and leadership. Join us to craft moments of connection and innovation in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and executing category strategies, ideally within the NZ Grocery channel.
• Strong FMCG experience in Category Management, with experience in sales or marketing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Drive and lead development of category growth strategies tailored to channels and customers.
• Lead strategic customer engagement and Joint Business Planning (JBP).
• Provide regular updates on category performance and shopper insights.

Skills

Category Management

Strategic Thinking

Leadership

Customer Focus

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Commerce or Marketing

Job description

Your Impact

You will play a key role in translating our growth agenda into actionable strategies across the Grocery Channel, ensuring strong alignment with customer priorities. Lead the development of long-term, collaborative plans that identify where and how to grow our key categories across various customers and channels. Champion the execution of category growth initiatives and bring our Point of Purchase (PoP) vision to life, driving joint value creation and sustainable category growth.

About The Role

• Drive and lead development and application of category growth strategies tailored to channels and customers; ensure integration into key planning processes (e.g., Annual Commercial planning, IBP, Brand Planning).
• Lead and define long-term Point of Purchase (PoP) strategies by account, tailoring them by channel and customer to unlock growth opportunities and bring the PoP vision to life.
• Lead strategic customer engagement and Joint Business Planning (JBP); drive acceptance of opportunities through account planning and range reviews.
• Act as the conduit between Sales, Revenue Planning, and Category teams; represent Category and Channel in internal forums and ensure alignment across business priorities.
• Provide regular updates on category performance and shopper insights to inform decision-making and uncover channel/customer growth opportunities.
• Lead and develop 1 x Category & Perfect Store Manager, supporting performance management, talent reviews, and succession planning.

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in Commerce or Marketing (highly regarded)
• Strong FMCG experience in Category Management, with experience in sales or marketing.
• Proven experience developing and executing category strategies, ideally within the NZ Grocery channel
• Expertise in integrating category and customer strategy, range reviews, and point-of-purchase execution, ideally within the Grocery channel
• Strong people leadership experience
• Skilled in strategic thinking, customer focus, and delivering results in a commercial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity, influence stakeholders, and align cross-functional plans.

Why Asahi Beverages?

At Asahi Beverages, we're passionate about crafting more than just drinks - we craft moments of connection, celebration, and shared enjoyment. We bring together a diverse portfolio of iconic beverage brands, a commitment to quality, and a drive to constantly innovate. Headquartered in Melbourne and with facilities right across Australia and New Zealand, you’ll find Asahi is a place where talent is nurtured, and ambition is rewarded. We are a Circle Back Initiative employer and commit to responding to all applicants.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.