Category Manager - Batteries

Company Description

Bapcor New Zealand is part of the wider Bapcor Group, a leading Asia Pacific provider of automotive aftermarket parts, equipment, services, and solutions. In New Zealand, we operate a nationwide network of trusted brands including BNT, Autolign, HCB, NZ Brake Co, Precision Equipment New Zealand , and JAS, delivering one of the most comprehensive automotive parts ranges in the market.

We are more than an automotive business — we are a purpose-led organisation driven by our people and the role we play in supporting our customers and communities. A key part of this is our focus on knowing what our customers need before they do and being there for what matters most. Our New Zealand team is integral to the success of the wider Bapcor Group, contributing to both local excellence and regional strategy.

When you join Bapcor New Zealand, you become part of a supportive, high-performing business that spans more than 1,000 locations and employs over 5,000 team members across Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand. We are deeply committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where our people can thrive and do their best work.

At the core of everything we do are our values:

• We do the right thing
• We are in it together
• We give a damn
• We get it done

Job Description Shape the Future of Automotive Batteries

Are you passionate about the future of the automotive industry? Do you thrive on identifying opportunities, building strong supplier partnerships, and staying ahead of emerging technologies and market trends?

At Bapcor New Zealand, we're looking for an experienced and commercially minded Category Manager - Batteries to lead one of our most important and rapidly evolving product categories.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of battery solutions across our leading automotive businesses, including HCB Technologies, BNT and the nationwide Battery Town network.

Based at our North Shore Support Office in Auckland, you will own the strategy, performance, and growth of our battery portfolio across New Zealand. From traditional automotive batteries through to emerging technologies supporting the future vehicle landscape, you'll be at the forefront of a category that continues to evolve at pace.

This is far more than a traditional category management role. We're looking for someone who combines commercial acumen with genuine curiosity, someone who enjoys asking "what's next?"

You'll work closely with suppliers, sales teams, marketing, inventory, and business leaders to deliver category growth, improve profitability, strengthen market position, and create compelling customer solutions. The role also involves regular domestic travel to support our nationwide branch and licensee network.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline.
• Technical qualification or demonstrated experience within the battery, automotive, electrical, or related industry preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Category Management, Product Management, or a similar commercial role, ideally within the battery sector.
• Proven experience in B2B and B2C market environments.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing category, marketing, and pricing strategies that drive business growth and profitability.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to understand customer, supplier, and market needs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong planning, organisational, and project management capabilities.
• Advanced computer skills and proficiency in business reporting and analysis tools.

Additional Information

Why join Bapcor? If you haven’t heard (word spreads fast), Bapcor is an awesome workplace. Apart from a great culture, you get:

• Your birthday off every year
• A paid volunteer day annually
• Free breakfast every morning
• Competitive salary + incentives for results
• Exceptional discounts on our products
• A flat structure where you’ll work alongside senior leaders
• Career growth opportunities with our company, Bapcor, which operates across NZ, Australia, and Southeast Asia

We pride ourselves on our inclusive work environment, and encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures, gender identity, abilities and backgrounds, providing a recruitment experience that’s fair, free from bias and accessible. If you need to inquire about reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email [email protected]