Category Manager

About the Company:


Established in 2001, Dairyworks is a category-leading New Zealand business known for the kind of innovation that has made the country a global leader in branded dairy. With well-loved brands such as Alpine, Rolling Meadow, Talbot Forest, and the Dairyworks retail brand, the company delivers high-quality products across New Zealand, Australia, and Export markets.

Built on a culture of openness, collaboration, and trust, Dairyworks recognises that its people are central to its success. Whether driving innovation, strengthening retail partnerships, or leading within the FMCG space, Dairyworks is constantly looking for ways to do things better. It’s a fast-paced, supportive environment where individual impact drives real growth.

About the Role:


As Category Manager for Cheese & Specialty Cheese, you’ll take the lead on shaping and executing the strategic and commercial direction of the cheese category in New Zealand. Based in either Auckland or Christchurch, this role is pivotal in influencing product, pricing, promotional, and innovation strategy while supporting growth across Australia and Southeast Asia.
Reporting to the Senior Category Manager, you'll be the go-to category expert both internally and externally, working closely with the Marketing, NPD, Sales, and Planning teams, and leading key conversations with NZ retail partners.
From long-term forecasting and budgeting to supporting product launches and driving shopper insights, this role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and knows how to turn data into action.


About You:

• You bring 5 years’ experience in category management, buying, or commercial strategy - ideally within FMCG, grocery, or dairy.
• You’re highly analytical, commercially savvy, and can cut through complexity to deliver clear, actionable insights.
• Tenacious, driven, and solutions-oriented, you take ownership and are always looking to make an impact.
• You’re comfortable navigating ambiguity and can juggle multiple priorities without losing focus.
• A confident communicator and natural influencer, you build strong relationships with internal teams and retail customers alike.
• You’re experienced with Excel and category tools such as Quantium, Circana (IRI), Dunhumby, and AI-based tech for analysis and decision-making.
• Experience supporting innovation and product development is a plus.
• Flexibility to travel regularly to Christchurch HQ and/or work from the Auckland office is required.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Category Manager looking to gain more responsibility in a broad role, supporting multiple functions of the Dairyworks business.

Apply Now!

To find out more, please get in touch with Josh Pidduck on +64 22 639 2831 for a confidential chat.

To apply for this vacancy you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.

At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying. 

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