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.
Lion is an adult beverages company with a portfolio of market-leading beers, wines, spirits, RTDs and non-alcoholic drinks – including Hahn, Tooheys, Stone & Wood, XXXX, Four Pillars, Hyoketsu and Wither Hills.
At Lion, we're all about going beyond and Making the Moment Mean More. We push boundaries, think differently and stay relentlessly focused on what matters – our customers, consumers, communities and the environment. Together, we're leading the way on the things we truly care about, which is why we're proud to be a certified B Corp.
We employ around 3,000 talented people across Australia and New Zealand, who do everything from "land to hand" – manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing – making Lion a dynamic business with diverse career paths.
We welcome difference, actively seek diversity of thought and stand for fairness. Our leading practices in gender equality, flexible working, parental support, mental health and LGBTQIA+ inclusion make everyone feel safe, supported and respected.
Here, you can be your best, make a real difference and have a great time doing it!
