Procurement Category Manager

Walter & Wild; Māngere-Ōtāhuhu; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and flexibility

Mentorship and development

High performing team

Exposure to iconic brands

Job summary

Walter & Wild is seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead our packaging portfolio and support selected raw materials, finished goods and service categories across NZ’s FMCG brands. You’ll drive sourcing strategies, build strategic supplier partnerships, and deliver value creation in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

This role partners with Operations, Planning and NPD to shape sourcing decisions that support growth and profitability, while delivering cost savings and supply

Qualifications

• 5+ years' procurement, sourcing or category management experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, or other fast-paced environments.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management and contract management skills.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to analyse costs and identify value opportunities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies across packaging and other categories.
• Lead sourcing, tenders, supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Deliver cost savings, margin improvement and supply continuity initiatives.
• Monitor packaging markets, commodity trends, freight, FX and supplier cost movements.
• Drive supplier performance across cost, quality, service and innovation.
• Manage supply risk through contingency planning and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Partner with Operations, Planning and NPD to support production and growth plans.
• Maintain accurate procurement master data, including supplier records, pricing and lead times.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Negotiation

Supplier management

Contract management

Cost analysis

Stakeholder management

ERP systems (Dynamics 365)

Education

Tertiary qualification

Tools

Dynamics 365

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

About Us

At Walter & Wild, we’re proud to be one of New Zealand’s leading food manufacturers, home to some of the country’s most iconic brands including Hubbards, Hansells, Aunt Betty’s, Vitafresh & Vitasport, Gregg’s, Killinchy Gold, NZ Natural and more. As a proud Kiwi company with big goals, we combine the scale to make a real impact with the feeling of a close‑knit, collaborative team. Our portfolio is filled with household favourites, and our passion for innovation and quality drives everything we do.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead our packaging portfolio while supporting selected raw materials, finished goods and service categories across some of New Zealand's most recognised FMCG brands. This is a highly commercial role where you'll drive sourcing strategies, build strategic supplier partnerships, lead complex negotiations and deliver value creation initiatives across a dynamic manufacturing environment. You'll be a trusted procurement partner to key stakeholders across Operations, Planning, NPD and Finance, helping shape sourcing decisions that support growth and profitability throughout the Walter & Wild Group.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies across packaging and other categories.
• Lead sourcing, tenders, supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Deliver cost savings, margin improvement and supply continuity initiatives.
• Monitor packaging markets, commodity trends, freight, FX and supplier cost movements.
• Drive supplier performance across cost, quality, service and innovation.
• Manage supply risk through contingency planning and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Partner with Operations, Planning and NPD to support production and growth plans.
• Maintain accurate procurement master data, including supplier records, pricing and lead times.

About You

You're a commercially astute procurement professional who enjoys building supplier relationships, negotiating outcomes and identifying opportunities to drive value. You can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution and thrive in a dynamic FMCG environment.

You will bring:

• 5+ years' procurement, sourcing or category management experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, or other fast-paced environments.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management and contract management skills.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to analyse costs and identify value opportunities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Experience with ERP systems (Dynamics 365 preferred).
• A resilient, proactive and results-focused approach, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Why Apply

At Walter & Wild, we bring together smart, commercially minded people who enjoy working hard, supporting each other, and making things happen. We thrive in a fast-paced environment, value fresh thinking and curiosity, and are always looking for smarter ways to grow and improve.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and flexibility
• Mentorship, development, and genuine growth opportunities
• To be part of a small, high performing team where your contribution is valued
• Exposure to some of New Zealand’s most iconic brands

If you're looking for a role where your commercial expertise can make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note that you must have valid NZ working rights and be based in New Zealand to be considered.