Category Manager

Role overview

This is a permanent Category Manager opportunity based in Favona, Auckland, within a lively Commercial team. The role suits someone who enjoys building strong supplier relationships, shaping category performance, and contributing to better experiences for stores and customers.

Woolworths Group is a large trans-Tasman business of more than 200,000 people, united by a purpose to create better experiences together for a better tomorrow. The organisation focuses on improving the food and everyday needs of more than 24 million customers each week through new ideas, practical innovation, and customer-led thinking. Team members are supported by an inclusive culture, a flexible way of working, and opportunities to grow across the wider group.

What this role involves

• Work with suppliers to reach agreements that support both customer expectations and commercial goals.
• Create and roll out category plans that give supply partners a clear direction and keep everyone aligned.
• Lift sales and improve profit by introducing category strategies that strengthen product ranges and in-store presentation.
• Spot opportunities to improve customer satisfaction, make store processes simpler, and lower operating costs.
• Review supplier performance on an ongoing basis, seek out new partnerships, and maintain strong existing relationships to build long-term advantage.

What you need to bring

• Previous experience as an Assistant Category Manager or Category Manager is necessary for success in this role.
• Proven ability to build and deliver customer-focused category plans supported by commercial analysis and data.
• Strong negotiation and influencing capability when working with internal teams and external partners at different levels.
• Experience carrying out category reviews.
• The ability to become a subject matter expert in your assigned category within New Zealand.

Working environment and benefits

• A hybrid working approach that combines time in a support office or hub with work from home.
• A meaningful role that supports teams making a positive difference in communities.
• Exposure to a broad international business with career growth across many functions.
• Access to wellbeing support, including 24/7 use of the Sonder app.
• A competitive leave policy designed to give more space for personal priorities.
• Team discounts across Woolworths Group brands, plus a rewards programme that recognises purpose-driven work.

Additional information

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to the organisation’s purpose of being better together for a better tomorrow. The company values different perspectives and backgrounds because they help teams innovate, solve problems, and better serve customers and communities. The workplace is designed to be inclusive, where people can belong, contribute their best, and reach their full potential.