Company Description

Grocery is one of our most dynamic areas – and Baby is a key battleground for earning mum shoppers’ trust. If you’re ready to take the lead in shaping high-impact product strategies, inspiring teams, and delivering exceptional commercial outcomes, this could be your next career-defining move.

The Warehouse Group (TWG) has become a Kiwi household name, and we proudly recognise the role that we play in communities throughout New Zealand. We are the largest general merchandise retailer in NZ across The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery & Noel Leeming. We are at an exciting point in our journey where our focus is on becoming brand-centric, aiming to deliver an unparalleled experience for our customers. Agility and collaboration are cornerstones of our work culture, empowering us to adapt swiftly and work seamlessly together. By being brand-led and retail-focused, we are intentional about placing the right people in the right roles, allowing us to perform work that truly makes a difference.

Job Description

We’re on the lookout for an exceptional Lead Buyer – Grocery (Food & Baby) to join our dynamic team. Reporting into the GM Buying - Grocery Wellbeing and Celebrations, you’ll play a key leadership role in driving the commercial performance of our fastest-growing area in the business for the past three years. You’ll combine hands-on buying with people leadership, shaping strategy, nurturing talent, and executing compelling, data-led ranges that customers love.

You’ll be responsible for:

Range Ownership: Develop and manage end-to-end grocery and baby category ranges that reflect customer needs, deliver value, and align with brand goals.Private Label Development: Build our own brand portfolio through insight-driven innovation and close supplier collaboration.Trading & Performance: Maximise sales, margin, and stock efficiency through strong promotional planning, trading activity, and agile decision-making.Supplier Management & Negotiation: Lead large supplier negotiations and tender processes with confidence and rigour—securing the best commercial outcomes.Customer & Market Insights: Leverage data, trend analysis, and customer feedback to inform buying decisions and stay ahead of the market.People Leadership: Coach, mentor and develop buying talent—ensuring your team is high-performing, collaborative, and continuously growing.

Qualifications

We’re after a commercially sharp, resilient, and insightful leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment. While a grocery background is a plus, we welcome candidates with relevant product/range experience, strong private label and supplier engagement skills, and a hunger to make an impact.

You will bring:

Proven experience in a senior buying role—ideally with food, FMCG, or retail background.A deep understanding of category and range development, including branded and private label.Strong negotiation and tendering experience with large suppliers.Excellent commercial acumen and analytical skills.The ability to develop effective marketing and promotional strategies.Confident stakeholder management and communication skills.A customer-first mindset and an eye for innovation.A collaborative leadership style and proven people development skills.

Additional Information

We offer a dynamic, flexible and supportive team environment working with like-minded people within a business that cares about and recognises individuals.  

We also offer a range of benefits that work for you, your lifestyle and your career which include flexible working arrangements, team member discounts, wellbeing support, leave benefits and more! 

MAKE SUSTAINABLE LIVING EASY AND AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYONE! don’t hesitate. APPLY