Join Essity, a global leader in health and hygiene, and help shape the future of some of New Zealand's most trusted consumer brands. We're looking for a commercially savvy and people-focused Business Manager to lead our strategic partnership with Foodstuffs South Island. This is an exciting opportunity to influence business growth, strengthen customer relationships, and drive outstanding outcomes across a dynamic FMCG environment.

About the Role:
As Business Manager Foodstuffs South Island, you will lead Essity's commercial relationship with one of New Zealand's key grocery customers. Responsible for delivering sales, market share and profitability objectives, you'll develop and execute strategic customer plans while partnering closely with internal teams across Category, Marketing, Sales Operations, Demand Planning and Finance. You'll also play an important leadership role within our New Zealand Consumer Sales team, contributing to broader business strategy and developing a high-performing team.

While the role is currently based in Christchurch, we are also open to the successful candidate being based out of our Newmarket, Auckland office (with travel).

What You Will Do:

• Develop and execute strategic customer plans that drive sales growth, market share and profitability.
• Lead Essity's relationship with Foodstuffs South Island, including joint business planning, customer reviews and trading terms negotiations.
• Build and implement customer strategies across pricing, promotions, placement, product range and merchandising initiatives.
• Monitor business performance through forecasting, scorecards and financial analysis, identifying opportunities and implementing actions to achieve targets.
• Partner with Demand Planning and Finance teams to ensure accurate forecasting and effective commercial planning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver customer growth plans and execution excellence.
• Provide customer and market insights that support strategic decision-making across the business.
• Lead, coach and develop team members, fostering capability growth, engagement and future succession.

Who You Are:

You are an experienced FMCG sales professional who thrives on building strong partnerships, leading negotiations and delivering commercial results. You bring a strategic mindset, strong leadership capability and a collaborative approach that enables you to influence across all levels of an organisation.

You'll also bring:

• Significant experience in FMCG, including key account management responsibilities.
• Experience working with major grocery customers and complex customer networks.
• Proven success developing and executing strategic business plans.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical capability.
• Advanced negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing team members.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing or a related discipline is advantageous.

What We Can Offer You:
Our purpose, Breaking Barriers to Well-Being, provides meaning to everything we do. Join us to improve well-being for people and drive positive change for society and the environment. At Essity, you'll feel valued, empowered to grow, and challenged to achieve business results in a collaborative and open atmosphere.

We also offer:

• A competitive salary package, because we want you to be rewarded for what you do best 
• Fully funded Wellbeing One Southern Cross medical insurance, with free annual health checks and doctor's appointments
• Free income protection, permanent disability, and life insurance
• Free Annual Flu Vaccinations, Annual Wellness day and free onsite parking 
• Opportunities for career growth and development within a global organisation.
• Access to learning, leadership and professional development programs.
• The opportunity to work with trusted brands that make a meaningful difference in people's lives every day.

Ready for your next move? Apply now! Early applications encouraged.

Innovate for Good | Excel Together | Be You With Us

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