Merchandise Data Intelligence Lead

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 Data Intelligence Lead, you'll support our Merchandise teams make sense of complex information and turn it into practical actions that improve trading performance.

Reporting to the Merchandise Commercial Manager, you'll bring together information from multiple sources, uncover opportunities and provide clarity on what's happening across categories, pricing, promotions and supplier performance, enabling more data-driven decision making across the Merchandise Division.

You'll also play a key role in shaping how automation and AI are adopted across Merchandise, identifying smarter ways of working and helping us get more value from the tools and technology available to us.

 Key Responsibilities

• Extract and interpret information to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Create forecasting models and scenario planning tools that support trading priorities.
• Develop Power BI reporting and visualisation solutions that improve business visibility.
• Drive automation initiatives that streamline processes and reduce manual effort.
• Lead, coach and mentor a Merchandise Data Intelligence Analyst.

About you:

You'll be a technically capable people leader currently working in business intelligence, commercial analytics, data & insights or similar. You’ll enjoy solving complex problems and can translate technical findings into practical recommendations. Ideally, you’ll also bring:

• Experience within business intelligence, reporting, commercial analysis or trading support functions.
• Advanced Power BI skills, including modelling, visualisation and solution design.
• Strong technical expertise across large datasets, coding, system integration and transformation activities.
• Previous experience leading, coaching or developing team members.
• Exposure to FMCG, retail, merchandise environments, cloud-based platforms or emerging technologies.

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 5 August 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.