Merchandise Commercial Manager

About the team:

Things move quickly here at Foodies, and our Merchandise team is no exception. This is the team that connects the product to the customer – decisions around range, pricing, promotions, and how we show up on the shelf. From partnering with suppliers to digging into the data, we’re always striving to deliver better value and better experiences for our customers.

We're an ambitious bunch who value clarity, accountability and follow-through, and in a nutshell, would describe our culture as “work hard, have a laugh.” We’ve got some real momentum heading into the second half of 2026 and are looking for people passionate about shaping how we win and grow together.

Join us and feed the South.

About the role:

As our Merchandise Commercial Manager, you'll lead a team of Commercial Analysts who provide the financial insight, modelling and commercial recommendations that help shape key decisions across the Merchandise function. Reporting to the Head of Merchandise – Commercial, you'll help shape commercial decisions are informed by robust analysis, clear narratives, and a strong understanding of performance drivers.

More than reporting on results, you'll lead work that helps shape category strategy and commercial decision-making. Through strategic category reviews, commercial performance reviews, and cost-to-serve analysis, you'll identify opportunities to influence the direction and commercial outcomes of the business.

Just as importantly, you'll lead and develop a high-performing team, creating an environment where people are supported, challenged, and equipped to grow their capability. You'll provide coaching on complex commercial reviews, drive continuous improvement, and foster a collaborative and learning-focused culture.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the commercial side of our category review process, ensuring opportunities are identified and targeted financial outcomes are achieved.
• Influence commercial decision-making through robust analysis, insights, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Lead the development and ongoing improvement of reporting, tools, and frameworks that support commercial performance and decision-making, including helping shape our approach to AI-enabled insights and analysis.
• Build trusted relationships across Merchandise, Finance, and the wider business to drive alignment and achieve commercial objectives.

About you:

You'll be a commercially minded leader who can move comfortably between strategic conversations and detailed analysis. You know how to turn complex data into practical insights, build credibility with stakeholders, and support informed decision-making.

You'll also bring:

• A CA qualification (or equivalent) and a tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a commercial, finance, or business partnering environment.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to analyse performance, identify opportunities, and provide clear recommendations.
• Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into meaningful business insights.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.

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.

How to apply:

Ready to take on the challenge? Click “apply” to apply for the role! Applications will close 11:59pm Wednesday 29th July 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 careers@foodstuffs-si.co.nz

Why join us?

• 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.
• 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!
• We’re a Pride Pledge organisation, and we are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives, every day and we celebrate our diversity as strength.
• Our Papanui based office has free carparking, an in-house café.

About us:

We’re a team of 14,000 who make sure South Islanders have access to the groceries and essentials they need. Proudly 100% Kiwi-owned and operated, our co-operative has more than 180 PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square 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. Our co-op has a wide variety of roles to offer, and endless opportunities for development.

Our values:

At Foodies, 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.