Sales Manager

About the Role

Based in Hamilton, New Zealand, this Sales Manager position at Tetra Pak offers a strategic commercial opportunity to partner with the local customer base and foster sustained mutual growth. The role involves comprehensive ownership of assigned key accounts along with developing and implementing the business development strategy within the New Zealand market. It emphasizes a collaborative approach with multiple internal teams to deliver tailored customer account plans that promote strong partnerships and future growth pipelines. Export market exposure is integral, reflecting the global footprint of the company's clientele. Sustainability knowledge and assisting customers in adapting to regulatory evolutions are key components.

Key Responsibilities

• Establishing and nurturing robust relationships with major manufacturing clients in New Zealand focusing on both domestic and international sales.
• Operating effectively within a complex matrix organizational structure, coordinating with sales, marketing, supply chain, and senior leadership.
• Converting customer insights into customized solutions that provide shared benefits.
• Developing and implementing joint business plans targeting short-term achievements and long-term expansion.
• Leading negotiations and influencing decision-makers to secure beneficial agreements.
• Collaborating with marketing to evaluate market dynamics and customer outcomes, identifying potential risks and opportunities.
• Formulating and deploying a business development strategy aligned with the Oceania market growth roadmap and cooperation with Australian BD efforts.
• Managing workload efficiently to focus on highest impact tasks.
• Supporting customers’ growth and needs by aligning them with appropriate Tetra Pak portfolio solutions.
• Setting shared goals and targets with customers while guiding support teams to champion Tetra Pak’s value proposition.
• Partnering with internal teams to create detailed proposals demonstrating value for both client and company.
• Balancing immediate sales targets with long-term opportunity pipelines that justify return on investment for all parties.
• Identifying innovation opportunities in customer portfolios and advising on product and packaging developments.
• Collaborating with Australian marketing and business teams to prioritize business development initiatives for New Zealand.
• Facilitating connections between customers and co-manufacturers for accelerated market entry.
• Integrating efforts with processing and services account managers to present comprehensive key account plans and turnkey solutions.
• Driving improvements in customer satisfaction and partnerships, including addressing feedback and resolving issues across boundaries.
• Ensuring reliable sales forecasting and managing account receivables expectations.
• Leading account activities by coordinating cross-functional efforts, fostering team competence development, sharing best practices, and encouraging continuous account management improvement. No direct people management is included.

Candidate Profile

• Exceptional communication skills with a strategic, customer-focused mindset.
• Thrives in dynamic, collaborative settings with the ability to influence at various organizational levels.
• Proactive, hunter mentality targeting business growth with both existing and new clients.
• Demonstrated sales and marketing experience, preferably in FMCG sectors such as dairy or grocery.
• Proficient in navigating matrix organizations and engaging diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Strong commercial insight combined with strategic thinking.
• Proven track record balancing short-term execution and long-term planning.
• Experience in negotiation, influencing senior stakeholders, and managing complex relationships.
• Skills in value selling and account management.
• Fluent in English; Mandarin language skills advantageous.
• Understanding or experience with Southeast Asian and Chinese export markets is a plus.

What We Offer

• Engagement with diverse challenges and growth opportunities in a global company.
• A culture that fosters innovation driven by industry experts with measurable outcomes.
• An inclusive and equitable work environment valuing diversity and individual differences.
• Competitive salary and benefits paired with flexible working options.

Additional Information

The role requires approximately 25% travel and is primarily office-based in Hamilton. Equal opportunity employment and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles are fundamental to the company culture. The posting is active until August 27, 2026.