Category & Commercial Planning Manager NZ

The Opportunity
We're seeking a
Category & Commercial Planning Manager
to drive strategic category management and commercial planning for our Cereals business (CPW). Reporting to the Head of Commercial Development for CPW Oceania, you will empower our Commercial teams with the tools and insights needed to deliver exceptional results. This role is pivotal in shaping our category strategy, building strong cross-functional partnerships, and identifying growth opportunities across the Ready-To-Eat Cereals and Oats categories.

If you have a passion for delivering strong results, best in class collaboration internally and externally, and a desire to influence strategic direction, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to take on the next step in your career.

A day in the Life…

• Lead the Monthly Business Planning (MBP) process, identifying strategic and executional gaps, and collaborating with Sales and Demand Planning to ensure alignment and agility.
• Develop and implement strategic category plans for Cereals and Oats, leveraging shopper insights, market data, and commercial acumen to identify growth opportunities and prioritise investments.
• Translate insights into action by analysing customer, market, and shopper data to build compelling strategies that resonate with major retailers and drive category performance.
• Collaborate across functions, including Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain, to shape and execute portfolio recommendations that align with business objectives.
• Drive distribution improvements through actionable insights and recommendations at both head office and store levels.
• Communicate performance and strategy effectively to market and business unit leadership, ensuring visibility of key milestones and strategic direction.

What will make you successful:

• Proven experience (5+ years) in sales or category management within the grocery channel, with a strong track record of commercial success.
• Deep understanding of strategic business planning, financial acumen, and the ability to translate data into meaningful strategies.
• Proficiency in tools such as Circana, JDA, Power BI, and other analytics platforms to support data-driven decision-making.
• Strong grasp of consumer and shopper insights, trends, and their implications for category growth.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive and results-oriented approach.
• Passion for driving growth, celebrating success, and leading with purpose.

Ready to make an impact with a global leader? Apply now and help shape the future of CPW in New Zealand.

Full New Zealand working rights and applicants may be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including but not limited to health checks, prior to appointment to this role.
Please note that this role may close earlier than the advertised deadline at our discretion, so we encourage early applications.
Benefits
You will have the chance to work with an outstanding and highly engaged team, build and grow your career with an inclusive, global FMCG leader.

In addition, we offer:

• Hybrid working model
• Varied career experiences and personalised development support
• Wellbeing benefits including vaccinations and health insurance discounts
• Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and program
• Access up to 5 additional days of leave to support your health and wellbeing
• Attractive Salary and generous bonus
• Strong career opportunities in the world largest Food and Beverage Company (locally and globally)

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 )

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