Category Manager - Packaging

Henson Recruitment NZ; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (1 day WFH per week after

Job summary

Henson Recruitment NZ is seeking a Category Manager - Packaging in Auckland to lead packaging for a nationwide product portfolio. You will influence purchasing decisions, supplier selection and product direction while balancing local requirements.

Responsibilities include shaping category plans, negotiating with New Zealand suppliers, and collaborating with cross-country teams to optimize financial returns.

Qualifications

• Sound understanding of packaging materials, technical specifications and product applications.
• Ability to translate local requirements into a clear national plan.
• Confidence in evaluating suppliers and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Strong communication skills to influence across multiple locations.
• Accurate analytical skills, including confident use of Excel.
• Availability for occasional domestic travel, including trade shows.
• WFH 1 day per week after 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Oversee packaging for associated product categories with a national perspective.
• Shape category plans, strengthen product offering and improve financial returns.
• Negotiate pricing, quality and supply arrangements with New Zealand suppliers.
• Engage teams across the country to understand needs and build support for category decisions.

Skills

Packaging knowledge

National plan development

Supplier negotiations

Stakeholder influence

Excel proficiency

Domestic travel

Remote work adaptability

Tools

Excel

Job description

Category Manager - Packaging

An established business with a nationwide operational network is looking for a packaging specialist to lead an important product portfolio. Based in Auckland, this role offers national responsibility and the opportunity to influence purchasing decisions, supplier selection and product direction.

An established industry leader

$130,000 - 150,000 | Auckland

The role:

You'll oversee packaging for their associated product categories, taking a strategic view across the nationwide network while balancing local requirements. You'll shape category plans, strengthen the product offering and improve financial returns, using your technical packaging knowledge to assess specifications, applications and alternatives.

Working directly with New Zealand suppliers, you'll negotiate pricing, quality and supply arrangements, while engaging teams across the country to understand their needs and build support for category decisions. Sales and purchasing insights will guide your approach to product selection and sourcing. You could currently work in packaging development, technical sales, product management, buying or procurement. Your current title is less important than your packaging expertise and ability to apply it commercially.

You:

• A sound understanding of packaging materials, technical specifications and product applications.
• The ability to turn local requirements into a clear national plan.
• Confidence evaluating suppliers and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Strong communication skills to bring people on board and influence across multiple locations.
• Accurate analytical skills, including confident use of Excel.
• Availability for occasional domestic travel, including trade shows.
• Option to WFH 1 day p/wk after 3mths.

You may currently be, or have previously worked as, a Category Manager, Packaging Specialist, Procurement Manager, Product Manager or Technical Sales Manager. Whatever your route, strong packaging knowledge and the ability to apply it commercially are essential.

Join an industry leader offering long-term career opportunities, with clear examples of people progressing within the business.