• Drive meaningful change in the primary sector
• Be backed by a supportive and high-performing team
• Enjoy flexible working your way

About Us

At Farmlands - Te Whenua Tāroa, our mission is to enhance profitability and productivity for New Zealand's farmers and growers. Our vision is to be the ‘go to’ for everyone connected to our land.

With an annual turnover exceeding $2.3 billion and over 1200 staff across more than 80 locations nationwide, we are New Zealand's largest farming cooperative. Our diverse operations span retail, feed production, nutrition, e-commerce, fuel distribution, horticulture and agronomy. Joining our team offers you the opportunity to contribute to a Kiwi-owned brand in a dynamic environment where we value ‘Minds Open’, ‘Be-ing You’, and ‘See-ing it Through’.

About the Opportunity

As Head of Animal Health and Nutrition you will play a pivotal role in developing, driving and executing strategy for the category. Reporting to the Chief Merchandising Officer, you’ll lead a team of Category Managers specialising in Animal Feed, Animal Nutrition and Ruminants. You’ll have the autonomy to manage end-to-end buying processes, from range planning to performance analysis, ensuring we stay ahead in a competitive market.

This segment in particular covers the breadth of our channels to market, in store companion animal range, on farm nutrition for working dogs, on farm dench and vaccinations, bulk mineral logistics via international suppliers and ultimately into new areas of OTC animal health currently not present through the merchant channel.

This role is new to Farmlands and reflects the importance of this category in delivering on our purpose and need for improving the profitability of our shareholders. The role is based in Christchurch with occasional travel.

About You

To be successful you’ll bring proven capability in:

• Merchandise leadership
• Brand strategy and management - multiple including home brands
• Pricing and range strategy
• Direct sourcing - vertical integration options
• Customer channel management
• Animal health and nutrition technical knowledge or demonstrated a high interest in  (preferably large animal)

We welcome applications from candidates who would relocate.

About the Benefits

Aside from our great team, the meaningful work and our inclusive culture, you'll receive a competitive remuneration package and get to be part of a great New Zealand story!

You’ll also be rewarded with:

• Work anywhere your way flexibility.
• Rā whānau birthday leave
• Sick leave available from day 1 of employment to support wellbeing.
• Service-related benefits such as insurance and leave
• Holiday shutdowns to spend time with family
• We benchmark and regularly review our remuneration framework to ensure you're fairly paid for your awesome mahi.
• Team Discount in Farmlands Retail Stores.
• Opportunity to apply for Farmlands Card subsidised 60% - Only $200, with all the amazing benefits and savings of Card.
• Employee Referral Programme
• Enhanced parental support
• Awesome people – where doing best for our people and our land is contagious!

Based at the Christchurch Support Office in Burnside you’ll have free parking, be close to a range of cafes and eateries, have access to a well-run social programme, and enjoy a pet-friendly work environment. 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter online. We look forward to hearing from you and know you’ll grow your career – and us - at Farmlands.

Please note that applications received from Thursday 19 December 2024 will be reviewed upon our return the week of 6 January 2025. Wishing you a very Meri Kirihimete!  

• We are a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
• Please be aware that successful candidates will undergo pre-employment checks including reference verification from recent managers, a Ministry of Justice check, proof of work eligibility in New Zealand, a driver’s license check, and an ACC background check. For certain roles, additional checks such as drug testing may be required.