Head of Customer
About the Role
At Wattie's Kraft Heinz, we're proud of our legacy as New Zealand's most iconic food company and the largest branded FMCG supplier to the grocery market. With a portfolio that spans more than 20 product categories, our ambition is to continue shaping the future of food - through strong partnerships, innovative thinking, and exceptional people.
We are seeking a seasoned FMCG commercial leader to take on the pivotal role of Head of Customer, responsible for leading one of our most significant retail customer partnerships. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and forming part of the New Zealand Leadership Team, this role offers the opportunity to influence business strategy, shape customer engagement, and drive commercial performance across a diverse portfolio.
You will lead a high-performing sales organisation - mentoring and developing a team of account managers - to deliver strong execution, sustainable growth, and a data-led commercial agenda.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead, coach, and develop the South Island Sales team, fostering a culture that reflects the Wattie's Kraft Heinz ambition and values.
- Deliver commercial outcomes (sales, margin, investment, distribution, market share, forecasting and customer engagement) using data-driven insight.
- Lead cross-functional account teams to build and execute Joint Value Plans and continuous-improvement initiatives that deepen customer partnerships and improve ways of working.
- Win trusted-advisor status with senior customer stakeholders through insight, influence and consistent delivery.
- Contribute as a member of the New Zealand Leadership Team, playing an active role in defining strategy, shaping culture, and building organisational capability.
About you:
- Proven FMCG experience managing major retail customers at executive level.
- Strong people leader, skilled negotiator and data-driven commercial thinker who influences at senior levels.
- Motivated by challenge and opportunity, with the ambition to continue growing within a global FMCG organisation.
Apply Now
If you're ready to take on a senior leadership role that offers both strategic influence and commercial challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and join a business that's shaping the future of New Zealand's food industry - with the backing and ambition of a truly global brand.
Location(s)
Christchurch
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.
What the Team is Saying
What We Do
Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage.
With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every table we touch.
We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.
Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet.
We’re proud of where we’ve been – and even more thrilled about where we’re headed – as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.
Why Work With Us
We believe that great people make great companies, and we’re growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.
Operating in over 20 global markets, across 9 functions, no matter your career goals, we have a seat at the table for you.
Gallery
Kraft Heinz Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
We also believe providing a more flexible and agile model is essential in today’s workplace. A majority of our office-based employees will be able to work remotely for up to two days each week.
