Produce Manager – New World Whakatāne

Introduction

Do you have a passion for high-quality, fresh produce and a successful track record in leadership? If so, New World Whakatāne has an exciting opportunity for a Produce Manager to join our leadership team.

 

 

About the Role

As Produce Manager, you will be accountable for the smooth running of the Produce department. You will lead, mentor, and inspire your team while ensuring the department is maintained to an exceptional standard. Core responsibilities include:

 

 

• Ensuring sales, growth, and profit targets for the department are met or exceeded.

   

   

• Managing ordering and stock levels through effective use of in-store purchasing systems (SAP).

   

   

• Controlling department costs in line with targets and owner expectations.

   

   

• Ensuring the department range reflects store format, customer expectations, and seasonal demands.

   

   

• Delivering consistent operational excellence through stock availability, merchandising standards, and presentation.

   

   

• Recruiting, training, coaching, and performance managing the team to build capability and high engagement.

   

   

What’s in it for you?

At New World Whakatāne, we’re serious about developing people who take pride in what they do. As Produce Manager, you’ll be joining a store with high standards, a strong identity, and leadership that rewards initiative, ownership, and accountability. Here’s what you can expect:

 

 

• Real autonomy and trust to run Produce as your own business unit – with influence over ranging, merchandising standards, KPI performance, and customer experience.

   

   

• Development and succession pathways, including leadership coaching, cross-department exposure, and support for ambitious individuals aiming for 2IC, Department Manager, or future Owner-Operator goals.

   

   

• A data-driven trading environment where decisions are made with clarity, results, and commercial awareness – supported by SAP, KPI reporting, and weekly performance reviews.

   

   

• A culture built on high standards, consistency, and accountability across food safety, health & safety, customer service, and team leadership.

   

   

• A leadership team that stands behind you, offering guidance, honest feedback, and support when needed – without micromanagement.

   

   

• Opportunities to contribute beyond Produce, including store-wide promotional planning, community initiatives, and continuous improvement projects that shape how Whakatāne trades.

   

   

• A strong community connection — we take pride in being a local supermarket that looks after our team, our customers, and the region we serve.

   

   

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience at Management or 2IC level within a retail environment.

   

   

• Strong produce knowledge including seasonal planning and category understanding.

   

   

• Previous experience in a Produce department is desirable.

   

   

• Experience using SAP is beneficial.

   

   

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and build high-performing teams.

   

   

• Solid understanding of Health & Safety and Food Safety compliance requirements.

   

   

• Someone who enjoys responsibility and backs themselves to deliver results.

   

   

About Us

You know New World, PAK’nSAVE and Gilmours, right? That’s Foodstuffs! We’re one of New Zealand’s biggest companies, so choosing a career within our stores means boundless opportunities. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your leadership journey or build a long-term pathway towards Owner-Operator level, a role with us can open the door.

 

 

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Please email your CV and cover letter to daniel.bilyard@nw.co.nz or drop your application into the store for the attention of Daniel Bilyard, Store Manager – New World Whakatāne.