Buying Lead

About us:

We’re a team of 14,000 who make sure all South Islanders have access to the groceries and essentials they need. Proudly 100% Kiwi-owned and operated, our co-operative has more than 200 PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, Raeward Fresh and On the Spot stores feeding the South Island. We value being at the heart of our communities, like we’ve always been, to make the South Island a better place – for today and for many generations to come. From sunny Golden Bay all the way to Stewart Island, there’s a Foodstuffs store serving you and your whānau. Our success is down to our people who bring their skills, experience, passion, and expertise to make Foodies an amazing and rewarding place to work. Given the breadth of our cooperative, the opportunities for development are endless. 

Our values:

At Foodstuffs South Island, together we drive success to be our best and care for our whānau. We recognise that it takes a collective effort to achieve success, and we thrive on fostering a culture of collaboration to drive innovation and embracing challenges as a united team. We are committed to supporting our people, and to positively impact the lives of South Islanders every day.

About the role:

Reporting to the Head of Buying in our Merchandise team, your main objective will be to successfully negotiate with vendors and suppliers while aligning with Foodstuffs South Island strategy. You will lead terms and product discussions as well as striving to meet financial goals and build strong, lasting relationships with our retail brands.   

You will find yourself working proactively across multiple teams including Merchandise – Commercial , Category & Promotions and Retail Brands and Operations to drive collective success at Foodies. 

About you:

You’ll be a skilled negotiator with influencing expertise and previous experience in a buying or merchandise role within the FMCG industry. Ideally you will also have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification e.g. BCom
• Proven experience in large size and scale organisation and a high level of commercial acumen
• Ability to data-driven insights and financial parameters to guide decisions
• High level communicator, able to build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• A strong understanding of end-to-end financials within a buying process
• Experience in category management is preferred but not essential

Don't Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for individuals with diverse experiences and are keen to hear from those who believe they have the drive and potential to succeed in this role.

Why join us?

• Our Papanui based office has free carparking, an in-house café.
• Our approach to flexible working is based on trusting and empowering our people to manage their time and deliver results while balancing the needs of their personal lives.
• We’re committed to equitable outcomes, and we offer additional paid parental leave, free period products and financial health checks to name a few.
• We support your wellbeing with Southern Cross health insurance for you and your family after a qualifying period, discounts at local gyms, access to online wellbeing tools, and a prayer and privacy room onsite.
• You can access Enhanced leave; Lifestyle leave and sick leave from day one of joining the Foodies team.
• We offer continuous learning and professional growth, as well as access to our extensive online training library and endless opportunities
• We’re proud of our supportive team environment, and our positive and friendly culture that’s made fun by Furry Friend Fridays and monthly social events

How to apply:

Applications will close 25 June 2025 and will only be accepted via our careers site.  

If you have any questions about the role, or experience any issues submitting your application, please email centralrecruitment@foodstuffs-si.co.nz.   

Join us in feeding the South Island.