Head of Category

Lead how we grow across Beer, RTD, Spirits & Wine—shaping category strategy that wins for Lion and our customers in NZ. 

A bit about Lion

At Lion, we’re all about creating moments that bring people together. From iconic local favourites like Steinlager, Speight’s, Panhead and Mac’s, to fast-growing RTDs like Smirnoff, Gordon’s and Kirin Hyoketsu and working with an enviable portfolio in Spirits and Wine. Our portfolio covers one in four of everyday moments across Aotearoa. 

Behind that is a team who show up with curiosity, courage and a real sense of ownership. We back each other, challenge each other and keep pushing for better—because that’s how we grow. 

The role 

This is one of those roles where you can genuinely shape what the future looks like. 

As our Head of Category, you’ll lead how we think about where we play and how we win across Beer, RTD, Spirits and Wine. You’ll set the direction, bring others with you, and turn great thinking into real outcomes in market. 

You’ll sit right in the middle of it all—partnering closely with Marketing, Sales and Commercial teams, and working alongside our customers to unlock growth that works for everyone. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Setting and leading our 3-year category strategy—bringing a clear, compelling vision for growth 

• Partnering with Marketing to shape our portfolio plan, with category thinking front and centre 

• Turning strategy into action—bringing initiatives to life in market and continuously improving them 

• Spotting and unlocking growth opportunities, especially across RTD and Spirits 

• Lifting our capability in category management, including Be Available & Right Range 

• Leading category and competitor insights so we stay sharp and make better decisions, faster 

• Playing a key role in Joint Business Planning with our customers 

• Building and growing a high-performing team, setting them up for success 

What you’ll bring 

You’re someone who can see the bigger picture—but also knows how to make it happen. 

• Strong category and commercial thinking, with a feel for what drives growth 

• Accomplished leader in developing a high performing team  

• The ability to tell a clear story and bring people on the journey 

• A natural collaborator who works well across teams and functions 

• Confidence to influence and challenge, in the right way 

• A track record of solving complex problems and turning insight into action 

• Experience in senior Sales, Category or Channel roles, ideally in FMCG 

Why this role 

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact—not just within Lion, but across the wider market—this is it. 

You’ll have the space to lead, the support around you, and the opportunity to shape how we grow into the future.