Category & Insights Manager

Role overview

DB Breweries is looking for a full-time, permanent Category & Insights Manager based in Auckland. This position sits within the Category Strategy team and plays a central part in improving category performance and generating actionable commercial insights across the Traditional Liquor and On-Premises channels.

As the Channel Champion for these channels and the Category Champion for International Premium and RTD, you will work closely with Sales, Marketing, and customer teams to identify growth opportunities and turn data into practical business actions.

About the company

Joining DB Breweries means becoming part of the global HEINEKEN network, where people are encouraged to bring their own perspective, share ideas, and develop professionally. The business operates across 70 countries and values diversity as a key driver of strong results.

The team culture is guided by four core values: passion for consumers and customers, care for people and planet, enjoyment of life, and courage to innovate and lead change.

Key responsibilities

The role focuses on category management, insight generation, and cross-functional collaboration to support business growth.

• Develop clear recommendations, reporting, and insights for the Traditional and On-Premise channels.
• Use shopper and category information to inform decisions and strengthen customer discussions.
• Own category insight input during planning cycles, customer business reviews, and product launches.
• Deepen the organisation’s understanding of category trends and shopper behaviour.
• Contribute to long-term channel strategy and annual planning.
• Convert commercial and customer insights into actionable plans.
• Present plans to key customers, gain alignment, and monitor performance against them.
• Lead category-focused discussions with major customers to uncover growth opportunities.
• Provide recommendations on assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf/space decisions.
• Work in partnership with internal teams to ensure category plans support overall business priorities.
• Collaborate with Brand and Trade Marketing teams on important initiatives.
• Support new product launches and trade presentations with category input.
• Make recommendations on volume, distribution, pricing, and category performance.
• Spot underperformance early and work to resolve gaps across brands and customers.

What you should bring

• At least 5 years of experience in category, sales, or marketing, preferably within FMCG.
• Strong analytical ability and confidence using data to support decisions.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with scan data tools such as Aztec or Nielsen.
• Exposure to shopper data platforms such as Quantium is an advantage.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Benefits and culture

DB Breweries offers a positive, inclusive workplace and a broad benefits package, including health, life, and income protection insurance; a 5% employer KiwiSaver contribution; a monthly allowance of beer, cider, RTDs, or alcohol-free beverages; a generous employee discount at Star Hospitality venues; an extra paid Enjoyment of Life leave day each year; generous parental leave; free confidential counselling; digital wills; feminine hygiene products; retail discounts; and a commitment to fair pay through Mind the Gap and the Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry.

Application notes

Applicants are asked to submit a CV along with a brief cover note explaining their experience and what appeals to them about the role. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.