Global Category Manager - Direct Procurement

About Fisher & Paykel Appliances

Fisher & Paykel is a renowned premium appliance brand designed and engineered in New Zealand, with presence in over 50 countries. Backed by the global strength of the Haier Group, the company is committed to innovation, design, and performance to enhance everyday lives.

Role Overview

The Global Direct Procurement team manages approximately NZ$250 million of direct material spend from a diverse international supplier base. This team collaborates closely with product development, manufacturing, and supply chain functions to deliver commercial value, ensure supply resilience, and support long-term business success.

As a Global Category Manager in the Direct Procurement team, based in Auckland or Dunedin, you will drive sourcing strategies, build supplier partnerships, and lead commercial outcomes that support Fisher & Paykel's global product range.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement category strategies aligned with company goals, product plans, and supply chain needs.
• Forge and nurture supplier relationships while leading commercial negotiations to maximize value across cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to advance business and product objectives.
• Evaluate market trends, supplier capabilities, and cost factors to identify opportunities, manage risks, and guide sourcing decisions.
• Lead initiatives to enhance supplier performance, optimize total ownership cost, and secure supply continuity.
• Utilize global sourcing opportunities through the Haier Group to enhance commercial outcomes and supplier value.

Candidates Should Possess

• Demonstrated experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement within manufacturing, engineering, or direct materials sectors.
• Strong commercial skills including negotiation, cost analysis, contract oversight, and supplier performance management.
• Experience crafting sourcing strategies and achieving measurable business results through cross-functional teamwork.
• An ability to balance considerations of cost, quality, innovation, and supply continuity in procurement decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and persuasive communication skills across technical, operational, and commercial teams.
• A systematic approach to prioritization, initiative management, and outcome delivery.
• Robust analytical and problem-solving skills capable of converting data insights into actionable plans.
• Exceptional written and oral communication abilities.

Why Join Fisher & Paykel?

This role offers the chance to influence decisions impacting globally recognized premium appliances. You will engage at the nexus of product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and procurement, shaping factors such as cost, quality, innovation, and supply stability.

Supported by the global Haier Group, you will collaborate with international sourcing teams and premier suppliers, encountering diverse challenges and growth opportunities seldom available locally. You will have autonomy over your categories, cultivate valuable supplier partnerships, and deliver meaningful commercial results in a vibrant, collaborative environment.

Fisher & Paykel is committed to equal opportunity employment, making hiring decisions without regard to legally protected characteristics.