Category Strategy Manager, NZ

About us

Vinarchy is redefining wine. Formed in 2025 through the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers, we manage the wine supply chain from grape to glass and are home to an outstanding portfolio of global and local brands. We’re looking for an experienced Category Strategy Manager to own the NZ category strategy across On- and Off-Premise—shaping customer plans, innovation priorities and in-market execution by turning consumer and shopper insight into clear actions that deliver sales, share and profit growth.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop and execute category strategies and initiatives that drive sustainable, profitable growth for Vinarchy and our On- and Off-Premise customers.
• Lead strategic category projects—identifying growth opportunities, quantifying the size of prize, and translating insight into practical recommendations.
• Set the annual NZ category strategic plan, clarifying category growth drivers, portfolio roles and key commercial principles (e.g., price-pack and promotional guardrails) to align internal teams and customers.
• Analyse consumer, shopper and market trends to influence category decisions and embed category drivers into planning and day-to-day activity.
• Own the NZ category insight agenda—synthesising syndicated and customer data (e.g., Nielsen/Circana/Dunnhumby) and internal performance to create customer-ready recommendations and guide commercial decision-making.
• Assess innovation (NPD/EPD) opportunities and support commercialisation through robust business cases.
• Partner with Sales, Shopper Marketing and Brand teams to shape strategic customer stories and best-in-class joint business plans—ensuring briefs and in-market execution ladder up to category strategy.
• Build and maintain senior, strategic relationships with key customers—leading segmentation and growth initiatives that accelerate category performance.
• Represent category leadership on the NZ Commercial Leadership Team—challenging thinking, aligning stakeholders and bringing best practice from internal and external networks.

About you

• Degree qualified (Marketing, Commerce or Business preferred).
• Significant experience in category (ideally 10+ years) within FMCG and/or liquor—either in-house or agency-side.
• Strong capability turning data into insight and insight into action, including comfort with syndicated data and customer/shopper analytics.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong executive presence—able to build a clear category story and influence customers and senior internal stakeholders through confident, commercially grounded recommendations.
• Additional experience in national sales leadership and/or brand/shopper marketing is advantageous.

Why Vinarchy

You’ll join a newly formed global wine leader with iconic brands, ambitious growth plans, and the opportunity to influence how the category evolves in New Zealand. We offer a collaborative culture, strong cross-functional partnerships, and scope to make a tangible impact.

Other requirements

• Some business travel may be required from time to time.
• Occasional out-of-hours work may be required.

Apply now

To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover note outlining your relevant category leadership experience. For a confidential discussion, contact tala.walding@vinarchy.com 
Vinarchy is committed to an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Our Company Values

• Grow Together
• Integrity In Every Drop
• Own Your Impact
• Simplify To Amplify