Head of Merchandise

Are you all about retail, customer and product insight and analytics and driving change outcomes? Do you want to be part of the team that helps NZers get the most out of life?

Foodies is a place where almost 25,000 awesome people are proud to work. Over the past 100 years we’ve built up a network of almost 350 PAK’n’SAVE’s, New World’s, Four Squares and Gilmours stores across the North Island.

Sitting on our Merchandise Leadership Team, you’ll report to the General Manager Merchandise. As Head of Merchandise - Category Analytics & Operations, you’ll lead and drive our customer driven programme within Merchandise, overseeing Category Analytics, Operations and Project Teams to deliver on our aspirations of becoming the most customer driven retailer in the world.

**About the role**

Based on the ever-changing landscape of retail, you’ll develop, define and implement the customer driven strategies in line with the overall Merchandise and FSNI (Foodstuffs North Island) strategy. Partnering with within the Merchandise team, with external suppliers, our retail team, other parts of our FSNI business and very importantly our stores, you’ll bring these strategies to life while leading and inspiring your team of 55 with 3 direct reports.

Key responsibilities include:

- Lead a world class Category Analytics, Operations and Projects teams, leading and engaging a high-performance culture which empowers the team to be open and curious with key stakeholders.
- Establish credibility as a trusted partner and influencer to the GM Merchandise, the Merchandise Leadership Team and key parts of the business to ensure strategic insight led decisions are made, supplier relationships are maximised, technology and processes are optimised, and alignment is achieved across the banners and business.
- Set and ensure KPIs in your team are delivered on-time, and in-full, focusing on inspiring your team to work together to bring their best every day.

**About you**

With a strong track record in strategic leadership, you’ll be a leader who leads from the front, emulating a mind set that puts our customers needs first while building a team that delivers on our purpose of helping New Zealanders get the most out of life.

Other skills/experiences will include:

- Extensive knowledge of either merchandise or FMCG/retail, delivering strategic outcomes and partnerships for a customer focused business
- A broad understanding of project/programme management methodologies with
- Outstanding stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the business
- Development and implementation of strategies that align with the wider business
- Outstanding planning and communication skills with the ability to form and articulate ideas/concepts and deliver to others

**What’s in it for you?**

We’re committed to doing our part for our people, planet and the communities so that we can make New Zealand a better place for future generations.

**On offer?** A wide range of benefits with the opportunity to learn from some world class grocers and industry experts, building your career in one of NZ’s leading retailers. We are based in brand new offices based in Mangere (near the airport) with loads of free parking, a mini mart for those afternoon cravings and a café that makes great coffee (or smoothies). We are big on work life balance and as such have flexible working opportunities to allow you to get the most out of life

**Experience awesome. Achieve Awesome. Be awesomely you.