Customer Business Manager - Pet Specialty

Nestlé S.A.; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

KiwiSaver contributions

Life & Income Protection Insurance

KitKat Days

Paid Parental Leave (18 weeks)

Job summary

Nestlé S.A. Purina NZ is seeking a commercially savvy Customer Business Manager to lead Pet Specialty and Veterinary channels on a fixed-term contract through Sept 30, 2027.

You will own customer strategies, manage key retail partnerships, and drive growth with strategic planning and financial oversight. Collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain, Field Sales, and regional teams to launch growth initiatives, analyse data, negotiate plans, and influence stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Customer Business Management, Key Account Management, or Category Leadership (must have been in senior customer roles).
• Strong knowledge of Pet Specialty, Veterinary, FMCG or related industries.
• Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse data and translate insights into action.
• Collaborative, proactive approach and the ability to lead through influence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute winning customer and channel strategies that accelerate growth.
• Lead relationships with key retail partners, wholesalers, and industry stakeholders.
• Drive commercial performance through effective business planning, forecasting, and financial management.
• Negotiate and execute customer plans that deliver mutual success.
• Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, Field Sales, and Regional Teams to bring growth initiatives to life.
• Monitor market trends and identify opportunities to strengthen Purina's leadership position.

Skills

Customer Business Management

Key Account Management

Category Leadership

Pet Specialty Knowledge

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Data Analysis

Influence & Leadership

Job description

Customer Business Manager - Pet Specialty

The Opportunity

At Purina, we're driven by one simple belief: Pets and People are Better Together. As a global leader in pet nutrition, we're passionate about creating healthier, happier lives for pets and the people who love them.

We're looking for an ambitious and commercially savvy Customer Business Manager to join our high-performing team on a fixed term contract until 30 September 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of our Pet Specialty and Veterinary channels, driving strategic growth, building influential partnerships, and delivering exceptional business results.

A Day in the life…

• Develop and execute winning customer and channel strategies that accelerate growth.
• Lead relationships with key retail partners, wholesalers, and industry stakeholders.
• Drive commercial performance through effective business planning, forecasting, and financial management.
• Negotiate and execute customer plans that deliver mutual success.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Field Sales, and Regional Teams to bring innovative growth initiatives to life.
• Monitor market trends and identify opportunities to strengthen Purina's leadership position in the market.

You're a commercially driven relationship builder who thrives on creating results and influencing outcomes.

You'll ideally have:

• Proven experience in Customer Business Management, Key Account Management, or Category Leadership.
• Strong knowledge of the Pet Specialty, Veterinary, FMCG, or related industries.
• Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse data and translate insights into action.
• A collaborative, proactive approach and the ability to lead through influence.

Why Join Purina?

• Working with iconic and trusted pet care brands.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.
• High visibility and ownership in a strategic commercial role.
• The opportunity to leave a lasting impact during this exciting contract opportunity.

Make Your Mark. Shape the Future of Pet Care.

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary + attractive bonus program
• Hybrid working model
• Company contributions to KiwiSaver
• Life & Income Protection Insurance for KiwiSaver
• Up to 5 ‘KitKat Days’ each year to rest, recharge and support your wellbeing
• Personalised development and varied career opportunities within a global FMCG leader
• Wellbeing perks including free flu vaccinations, discounted private health insurance, and discounted gym memberships including access to Fitness Passport
• Access to Purchased Leave, Volunteering Leave, Sports Leave and Emergency Services Leave
• Up to 18 weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Discounts on Nestlé products and offers from our retail and service partners

Our Story

At Nestlé, we want to help shape a better and healthier world, inspire people to live healthier lives and deliver impact at a scale and pace that makes a difference. We do this by fostering an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative environment, embracing innovation, and empowering people and teams to win.

We aim to hire respectful, curious, value driven and inspiring people who care about the people’s lives that we touch every single day.

Be a force for good.

For more information, please visit our website Nestlé | Welcome | Get In Touch New Zealand (nestle.co.nz)