Area Manager| Wellington

Are you a people‑first leader with a passion for retail execution, customer partnerships and developing high‑performing teams? Tip Top (a division of GWF) is looking for an exceptional Area Manager – Wellington to drive commercial success, merchandising excellence and building team capability across a key region.

Join one of ANZ’s most iconic food manufacturers—home to beloved brands such as Tip Top SuperSoft, Ploughman’s, Big Ben, Dad’s Pies and Golden Crumpets — and help shape the future of our bakery categories in market.

Why join us?

GWF is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest food manufacturers, employing 6,000 people across 60 sites. We’re backed by Associated British Foods, giving you the scale, stability and growth opportunities of a global organisation combined with the heart of a local team.

This is your chance to step into a pivotal leadership role where you’ll influence customer outcomes, team performance and long‑term commercial growth.

What you’ll do

As Area Manager, you’ll be responsible for delivering best‑in‑class sales execution and merchandising leadership across your region. You will be responsible for:

Commercial & Customer Execution

• Deliver sales growth by achieving sales scorecard targets
• Build strong store relationships with a regular call cycle
• Drive ranging, NPD execution and in‑store activation
• Ensure planogram and display compliance
• Own accurate daily/weekly reporting

People Leadership

• Lead and coach a team of Senior Merchandisers and Merchandisers
• Support recruitment, onboarding and ongoing development
• Build capability, engagement and a positive performance culture
• Ensure customer issues are resolved promptly (within 48 hours)

Operational & Budget Management

• Manage merchandising spend and area service model within budget
• Monitor labour hours, timesheets and workforce planning
• Support effective rostering and routing with Senior Merchandisers and Category Planning
• Ensure administration tasks and reporting are completed accurately and on time

Safety & Compliance

• Role model our safety‑first culture
• Drive Toolbox Talks, hazard identification and HSE initiatives
• Ensure all Company and Legislative health & safety requirements are met

What you’ll bring

• 1–3 years’ experience in a field sales role (FMCG experience preferred)
• Strong commercial acumen and customer focus
• Proven people leadership and coaching capability
• Excellent communication, relationship building and influencing skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Strong numeracy, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
• Full NZ driver’s licence (required)

Who you are

You’re a proactive, energetic leader who thrives on building teams, strengthening customer partnerships and delivering high standards. You’re adaptable, solutions‑focused and committed to living the GWF values every day.

Ready to rise with us?

If you’re looking to take the next step in your leadership career with a well‑known, trusted Kiwi brand, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us shape the future of bakery across Aotearoa.