At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category reviews and drive performance improvements for our Merchandise team.
- Company: Join Foodies, a 100% Kiwi-owned co-op dedicated to serving the South Island.
- Benefits: Flexible working, health insurance, professional growth, and fun team events.
- Other info: Diverse candidates encouraged to apply; great career development opportunities await!
- Why this job: Shape category performance and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, strong communication, and project delivery skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About our Merchandise 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 Category Review Delivery Manager, you’ll be the face of category reviews at Foodies – owning the programme end-to-end and making sure the work lands when it needs to, delivering the right outcomes for both customers and the business. This is a newly created role where you’ll have real scope to shape how we approach category performance. You’ll work across our Merchandise team, forming a clear view on what’s driving value for customers and what isn’t, and landing the changes needed to improve performance.
Reporting to the Head of Strategy and Operations, you’ll work closely with senior leaders across Buying, Pricing, Analytics, Commercial and Retail. There will be competing priorities and different perspectives – you’ll bring it together, using your judgement to challenge, reprioritise, and keep the work focused on what matters. You’ll play a key role in shaping how this role evolves, with the space to make it your own while building depth across commercial thinking, delivery, and stakeholder influence. This role is based in Christchurch. If you’re currently elsewhere and thinking this could be a good excuse to make a move, great! We’re open to helping make a move happen for the right person.
About you:
You’ll understand what drives category performance and know how to bring people and teams on the journey with you. You’ll combine strong judgement with a structured approach, building relationships across the business to work through different perspectives and get things done.
- Experience in FMCG or a similar commercial environment
- Strong influencing skills, with the ability to navigate differing views and still land outcomes
- Clear and confident communication, able to translate complex inputs into practical actions
- Strong planning and organisational capability, managing multiple moving parts without losing focus
- Commercial awareness, with an understanding of trade-offs across range, pricing and value
- Experience in project or programme delivery is advantageous
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 Sunday 5 July 2026 and will only be accepted via our careers site.
Keen on joining the team but think this might not be the right role for you? We’re hiring for other roles within our merchandise team as well and have some exciting work in the pipeline!
- Emerging Supplier Manager
- Senior Category Manager
- Category Manager
- Customer Insights Analyst
If you have any questions about the role, or experience any issues submitting your application, please email careers@foodstuffs-si.co.nz
What we offer:
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.
Category Review Manager in Christchurch employer: Foodstuffs
At Foodies, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values clarity, accountability, and fun. Our Christchurch location provides a supportive environment with flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health benefits, and continuous learning opportunities, ensuring our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in shaping the future of grocery retail while enjoying a strong sense of community and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Review Manager in Christchurch
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Foodstuffs, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Foodstuffs!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Review Manager in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Foodstuffs, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Foodstuffs and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Foodstuffs that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodstuffs
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
