About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, renowned for its portfolio of iconic brands that delight consumers worldwide. In New Zealand, PepsiCo operates through Bluebird Foods Ltd, a proud Kiwi icon with 70 years of history as the leader in salty snacks. Brands like Bluebird Originals, Doritos, Copper Kettle, Grain Waves, Twisties, and Cheetos have become household names, trusted by generations. As part of PepsiCo, Bluebird combines local heritage with global expertise to drive innovation and category growth in the competitive FMCG landscape.

Our commitment to a diverse, people-focused workforce sets us apart. We prioritize employee recognition, career nurturing, and an inclusive culture where every team member contributes to our success. PepsiCo New Zealand offers a progressive environment that values agility, flexibility, and work-life balance.

Role Overview

The Category Manager - Woolworths NZ role is a strategic position reporting to the Commercial Strategy Manager. Based in Auckland, this role provides direction to grow the snackfood category, delivering strong commercial results for both PepsiCo and Woolworths NZ. You will coordinate annual plans, develop initiative-based business agendas, and ensure alignment across range, space, and activation priorities.

This customer-facing role demands a blend of strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and relationship-building skills. As the voice of the customer internally, you will bridge PepsiCo's category strategies with retailer needs, leading reviews, workshops, and joint planning to unlock mutual growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Execution

Develop and implement mutually beneficial annual business agendas focusing on category growth. Lead the tailoring of PepsiCo's Category Growth Framework to align with Woolworths NZ strategies. Own the customer engagement schedule to land strategic plans effectively.

Category Reviews and Insights

Take full ownership of the annual Category Review Campaign, including insight meetings and quarterly customer sessions. Collaborate with Shopper Insights and Marketing teams on activation and innovation workshops. Deliver Customer Range Reviews, ensuring timelines for objective setting, prioritization, and post-analysis are met.

Customer and Performance Management

Manage day-to-day relationships with key stakeholders, including monthly buyer work-in-progress meetings. Analyze performance trends to support the commercial function against the PepsiCo Business Plan. Lead Joint Business Planning, risk mitigation, and opportunity exploitation.

Portfolio and Cross-Functional Support

Support customer teams with monthly risk analysis, Stage Gate preparations, and cross-functional alignment on run rates, launches, and distribution. Create customer-facing selling materials and pro-actively identify category growth opportunities.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates need a minimum of 6-8 years in FMCG, with at least 2 years specifically in Category Management. A tertiary qualification in Marketing, Commerce, Economics, Business, or equivalent is essential. Proficiency in analytical tools like Circana, Nielsen, or Quantium is required, alongside experience in strategy development and execution.

Strong customer-facing skills, proven ability to build cross-functional relationships internally and externally, and a track record in commercial roles are non-negotiable. You should thrive in dynamic environments, leveraging data to drive decisions and foster partnerships.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a competitive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional journey. Enjoy an agile, flexible working environment with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Our health and wellness programs promote physical and mental health, while personal and professional growth opportunities ensure continuous development.

As a Top Employer of Choice in a global FMCG powerhouse, you'll access learning resources, career progression paths, and the pride of working with world-trusted brands.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career growth is nurtured through structured development programs, mentorship, and exposure to diverse projects. This Category Manager role serves as a launchpad for broader commercial leadership, with opportunities to advance into senior strategy, insights, or customer management positions across PepsiCo's ANZ and global operations.

Our people-focused approach means high performers are recognized and rewarded, with clear pathways to expand your expertise in FMCG category leadership.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo's Bluebird team means being part of an exciting business at the forefront of snackfood innovation in New Zealand. Work with iconic brands, collaborate with major retailers like Woolworths NZ, and contribute to tangible category growth. Our diverse workforce, flexible culture, and commitment to employee success make us the ideal place for ambitious FMCG professionals.

Experience the perfect blend of local impact and global scale, all while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.

Role FAQs

What experience is required for this role?

Minimum 6-8 years in FMCG, including 2+ years in Category Management, with proficiency in analytics tools like Nielsen.

Is this a remote role?

The role is based in Auckland with an agile, flexible working environment emphasizing work-life balance.

What brands will I work with?

You'll champion Bluebird, Doritos, Twisties, Cheetos, and more as part of PepsiCo's salty snacks portfolio.

How does PepsiCo support career development?

Through learning opportunities, growth programs, and a culture that nurtures high performers.

What is the reporting structure?

This role reports to the Commercial Strategy Manager and involves close collaboration with Insights and Shopper Marketing teams.