Strategic Supplier Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Farmlands Group is hiring a Strategic Supplier Manager for a full-time onsite Christchurch role to own key supplier relationships, lead complex commercial negotiations and deliver measurable value through rebates and trading outcomes. You’ll influence Merchandising, Supply Chain and Finance and help drive the shift to a centralised distribution model, developing commercially sustainable solutions that create long-term value for Farmlands and shareholders. The ideal candidate has significant experience in commercial negotiation, procurement or supplier management and a proven ability to win stakeholder trust, use data to shape strategies and translate terms into real outcomes. To apply, tailor your CV with concrete negotiation wins and cross-functional impact, show NZ eligibility, and apply early before 6 September 2026; be prepared for pre-employment checks.

• Own key supplier relationships and complex commercial negotiations

• Deliver measurable value through supplier negotiations, rebates and trading outcomes

• Visible role with influence across Merchandising, Supply Chain and Finance

Mō te whai waahi | About the opportunity

Few roles in Christchurch offer this combination of influence, ownership and responsibility for supplier outcomes across a national business.

As Strategic Supplier Manager, you'll lead supplier negotiations that directly influence commercial performance across Farmlands. Working with strategic and tactical suppliers across a diverse portfolio, you'll secure strong commercial outcomes through effective negotiation of trading terms, rebate agreements, cost recovery and supply chain initiatives.

You'll take ownership of a substantial supplier portfolio, with clear objectives, measurable outcomes and visibility across Merchandising, Supply Chain and Finance.

A key focus of the role will be supporting Farmlands' continued transition from Direct-to-Store supplier arrangements to a centralised distribution model. You'll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to develop commercially sustainable solutions that deliver long-term value for both Farmlands and our shareholders.

You'll also identify opportunities to improve existing supplier arrangements, resolve complex commercial challenges, and ensure negotiated outcomes are successfully implemented and realised across the business. Working across Merchandising, Supply Chain and Finance, you'll become a trusted commercial partner helping shape how Farmlands approaches supplier relationships into the future.

This is a highly visible role with clear objectives, measurable outcomes and the opportunity to make a genuine impact.

Mōhou ake | About you

You may currently be a Category Manager, Commercial Manager, Supplier Relationship Manager, Procurement Manager or Senior Buyer looking for an opportunity to apply your negotiation and supplier management expertise in a broader and more influential role.

You'll bring:

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills

• A proven track record delivering measurable value through supplier negotiations and commercial agreements

• A practical, relationship-focused approach combined with the confidence to hold your position during challenging commercial discussions

• The ability to influence outcomes, navigate complexity and build credibility with both suppliers and internal stakeholders

• Significant experience in commercial negotiation, procurement, category management or supplier management

• Strong commercial and analytical capability, with the ability to use data and market insights to support decision making and negotiation strategies

Experience within FMCG, retail, distribution, procurement, manufacturing or other commercially focused environments will be highly regarded. Rural industry experience is not essential.

Most importantly, you're someone who can build trust, communicate effectively, and bring people on the journey while delivering strong commercial outcomes.

Mō ngā painga | Why this role stands out

• Take ownership of supplier negotiations that directly influence commercial performance across Farmlands

• Lead complex commercial discussions with strategic suppliers across a diverse national portfolio

• Play a key role in shaping how Farmlands approaches supplier partnerships and commercial value creation

• Work closely with Merchandising, Supply Chain and Finance leaders on high-impact initiatives

• Join a business investing in its distribution, supplier and commercial operating model

• Apply your commercial expertise in a role with genuine visibility, influence and measurable outcomes

• See the direct impact of your work across supplier performance, trading outcomes and shareholder value

Ready for your next challenge?

Few Christchurch-based roles offer this combination of scope, influence and opportunity.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a substantial supplier portfolio, influence outcomes across the business and help shape how Farmlands approaches supplier relationships into the future.

If you're looking for a role where your commercial judgement, relationship management skills and negotiation expertise can make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close 6 September 2026. We will be reviewing applications and progressing suitable candidates as they are received, so we encourage early applications.

You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks include references, Ministry of Justice check, right to work, driver’s licence check, and ACC history. Additional checks may apply for some roles.