Commercial Project Manager

Asahi Beverages; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Asahi Beverages in Auckland seeks an experienced project manager to deliver fast-paced NPD initiatives within the Marketing NZ team. You will oversee a portfolio of new product development projects after gate approval and coordinate cross-functional inputs to keep launches on track.

Core responsibilities include planning kick-offs, maintaining timelines, and providing clear updates to stakeholders. The role combines hands-on delivery with governance across Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance,

Qualifications

• Solid project management experience in FMCG or similar.
• Experience managing NPD or commercialisation projects through a gated Stage & Gate process.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, timelines and stakeholders across multiple projects.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication, including meeting leadership and action tracking.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-moving environment.
• Experience in beverage, food or a similar manufacturing category is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple NPD projects through the Asahi Stage & Gate process to launch.
• Plan and chair project kick-offs, develop timelines and provide clear minutes and actions.
• Coordinate Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Packaging, Liquid Development and technical stakeholders.
• Prepare gate papers, consolidate cross-functional inputs and secure stakeholder alignment and approvals.
• Monitor milestones, costs, risks, dependencies and mitigations, escalating roadblocks early.
• Lead regular project WIPs and keep project master files and NPD documentation accurate and current.
• Initiate finished goods master data and relevant CAPEX documentation to support timely approval.
• Provide clear project updates into commercial planning forums and support peers when priorities shift.

Skills

Project management

NPD experience

Prioritisation

Communication

Resilience

Education

Tertiary / degree qualification

Job description

Your Impact

This is a delivery-focused project management role in our Marketing NZ team. You will manage a portfolio of new product development projects after gate approval, bringing together the right people, information and decisions to keep each project moving towards launch.

Your Impact

This is a delivery-focused project management role in our Marketing NZ team. You will manage a portfolio of new product development projects after gate approval, bringing together the right people, information and decisions to keep each project moving towards launch.

Your key outcome will be the delivery in full and on time of allocated 2027 NPD projects, while kicking off and maintaining momentum on future pipeline activity.

You will work across both alcohol and non-alcohol portfolios and a range of project types, from new liquid or packaging development to artwork changes, promotions, imported finished goods and product deletions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple NPD projects through the Asahi Stage & Gate process to launch.
• Plan and chair project kick-offs, develop timelines and provide clear minutes and actions.
• Coordinate Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Packaging, Liquid Development and technical stakeholders.
• Prepare gate papers, consolidate cross-functional inputs and secure stakeholder alignment and approvals.
• Monitor milestones, costs, risks, dependencies and mitigations, escalating roadblocks early.
• Lead regular project WIPs and keep project master files and NPD documentation accurate and current.
• Initiate finished goods master data and relevant CAPEX documentation to support timely approval.
• Provide clear project updates into commercial planning forums and support peers when priorities shift.

About You

You are an experienced project manager who enjoys creating clarity, momentum and accountability across complex cross-functional work. You are practical, organised and comfortable influencing stakeholders without formal authority.

• Solid project management experience, ideally within a large, complex FMCG organisation
• Demonstrated experience managing NPD or commercialisation projects through a Stage & Gate or comparable gated process
• Ability to manage competing priorities, timelines, risks and stakeholders across multiple projects
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication, including meeting leadership and action tracking
• Tertiary / degree qualification
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-moving environment where systems, priorities and plans can change.

Experience in beverage, food or a similar manufacturing category will be highly regarded, along with exposure to packaging, liquid development, commercial viability, master data or CAPEX processes.

You will join a close, high-engagement team that helps each other, asks questions and works collaboratively to keep the NPD plan on track. The role is based with the commercial team in Parnell, with three office days each week. Monday and Wednesday are anchor days, with flexibility around the third day. Occasional visits to our South Auckland technical site may be required. A four-day arrangement may be considered for the right candidate.

Why Asahi?

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. If you’re ready to toast your future, we’re ready to meet you.