Global Category Manager - Direct Procurement

The Role

Fisher & Paykel is one of the world's most respected premium appliance brands. Designed and engineered in New Zealand, sold in over 50 countries, and backed by the global scale of the Haier Group, we're committed to creating products that improve people's lives through innovation, design and performance.

Our Global Direct Procurement team plays a critical role in supporting that ambition. Managing approximately NZ$250M in direct material spend across a diverse global supplier network, the team works closely with product development, manufacturing and supply chain functions to deliver commercial value, supply resilience and long-term business success.

About the Role | Auckland or Dunedin

As a Global Category Manager within our Direct Procurement team, you will play a key role in shaping the sourcing strategies, supplier partnerships, and commercial outcomes that support Fisher & Paykel's global product portfolio.

You are a commercially savvy procurement professional who understands how product development, supply chain, manufacturing and quality come together to deliver world-class products. You enjoy building strong relationships, influencing stakeholders, and translating market insights into practical sourcing strategies that drive value.

Reporting to the Direct Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for a portfolio of direct material categories, partnering closely with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations and Finance teams to develop and execute category strategies that improve cost competitiveness, supply continuity and supplier performance.

This role offers significant exposure across our global business and provides excellent development opportunities within our Procurement and Supply Chain function.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, product roadmaps, and supply chain requirements.

• Build and manage supplier relationships, leading commercial negotiations to deliver value across cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.

• Partner with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to support business and product objectives.

• Analyse market trends, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and inform sourcing decisions.

• Drive category initiatives that improve supplier performance, optimise total cost of ownership, and strengthen supply continuity.

• Leverage global sourcing opportunities and collaboration across the Haier Group to maximise commercial outcomes and supplier value.

What You Will Bring

We're less focused on the specific categories you've managed and more interested in the capability, mindset and commercial judgement you bring.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in category management, strategic sourcing or procurement within a manufacturing, engineering or direct materials environment.

• Strong commercial acumen, including negotiation, cost analysis, contract management and supplier performance management.

• Experience developing sourcing strategies and delivering measurable business outcomes through cross-functional collaboration.

• The ability to balance cost, quality, innovation and supply continuity when making procurement decisions.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical, operational and commercial teams.

• A structured approach to managing priorities, driving initiatives and delivering results.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to turn data and insights into practical actions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Why Fisher & Paykel?

At Fisher & Paykel, you'll have the opportunity to influence decisions that directly impact the products our customers use every day. You'll work at the intersection of product development, manufacturing, supply chain and procurement, managing categories that shape cost, quality, innovation and supply continuity for a globally recognised premium brand.

Backed by the scale and reach of the Haier Group, you'll collaborate with global teams, world-class suppliers and international sourcing networks, gaining exposure to challenges and opportunities that are rarely available in the New Zealand market. You'll be empowered to take ownership of your categories, build meaningful supplier partnerships and deliver tangible commercial outcomes in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment.

If you're looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, continue to grow your procurement expertise, and build a long-term career within a global organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

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Fisher & Paykel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law.