Commercial Project Manager

Asahi Beverages Group; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Asahi Beverages NZ seeks an experienced project manager to drive New Product Development (NPD) from gate approval to market launch within the Marketing NZ team. This 12-month fixed-term contract will deliver allocated 2027 NPD projects and maintain momentum on future pipeline across alcohol and non-alcohol portfolios.

You will lead cross-functional teams, chair kick-offs, track milestones, manage risks and approvals, and provide clear updates to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Solid project management experience in a large FMCG environment.
• Proven ability to manage NPD or commercialisation through a gated process.
• Strong written and verbal communication with meeting leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple NPD projects through the stage & gate process to launch.
• Plan and chair project kick-offs, develop timelines and capture actions.
• Coordinate Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Packaging, and technical stakeholders.
• Prepare gate papers and secure cross-functional alignment and approvals.
• Monitor milestones, costs, risks and dependencies; escalate roadblocks early.
• Maintain project master files and NPD documentation.
• Initiate master data and CAPEX documentation to support timely approvals.
• Provide clear updates into commercial planning forums.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

cross-functional leadership

Education

Experience in FMCG

Tools

Stage & Gate process

Job description

Bring structure, pace and strong stakeholder leadership to our New Zealand innovation pipeline, helping progress new products from approval through to market launch. 12 mo FTC

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
• 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.