Trading Planning Lead (12-Month Fixed-Term)

Mō te whai waahi | About the opportunity

As Trading Planning Lead, you'll take ownership of Farmlands' Annual Trading Calendar (ATC), keeping the existing framework, governance and cross-functional cadence running while designing and embedding a new critical path way of working. This role gives you a clear opportunity to build something that lasts, creating greater visibility, accountability and coordination across our major trading activities.

This is a 12-month fixed-term parental leave cover role.

Key responsibilities include:

- Own the day-to-day operation of the Annual Trading Calendar, maintaining its governance, forums, review cycles and change control.
- Design and embed a critical path framework that establishes clear milestones, lead times, dependencies, decision points and ownership for priority trading activities.
- Bring Sales, Retail, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing and Finance together to establish clear responsibilities, handoffs and decision rights across the trading calendar.
- Develop forward-looking reporting that highlights progress, risks and slippage early, enabling teams to take action before issues affect delivery.
- Pilot, refine and embed the new way of working, leaving Farmlands with a practical, documented and sustainable framework ready for handover.

Mōhou ake | About you

- Experience developing and embedding frameworks, governance models or operating rhythms within a complex, multi-channel organisation.
- Strong project or programme management capability, ideally including critical path, dependency planning, RASCI or similar methodologies.
- A solid understanding of cross-functional planning and operating cadence, with knowledge of S&OP or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) highly valuable.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to create alignment and drive outcomes across teams without relying on direct authority.
- A pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach, with the ability to simplify complexity, establish momentum quickly and deliver lasting change within a defined timeframe.

Mō ngā painga | About the benefits

- Flexible working + free onsite parking (Christchurch).
- Influence real business decisions - not just reporting.
- Ongoing development + exposure to senior commercial and finance leaders.
- Staff discounts, shareholding perks, and paid birthday leave + sick leave from Day 1.

Mō matou | About us

At Farmlands Te Whenua Tāroa, New Zealand’s largest farming co-operative, we’re driven by three core values: Be You, Minds Open, and See It Through. We support NZ farmers and growers to boost profitability and productivity, aiming to be the trusted partner for everyone connected to the land.

With over 1,200 team members across 80+ locations, we offer diverse operations - from retail and feed production to ecommerce and fuel. Join us to be part of a Kiwi-owned brand that values your uniqueness, creativity, and teamwork in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Mō te Tukanga | About the Process

The future doesn't stand still, and neither do we. As part of our commitment to innovation, we may use Sam, our AI Recruitment Assistant, during the recruitment process. It's simply another way for us to get to know you and learn more about what you could bring to Farmlands.

If you're invited to chat with Sam, we'd encourage you to give it a go. It's quick, conversational and can be completed at a time that suits you. We're always looking for ways to improve the candidate experience, so we'd love your feedback too.

And don't worry – real people review every application and remain at the heart of every hiring decision.

Te Tono | How to apply

Apply online with your CV and cover letter and we'll do the rest. We'd love to hear from you and help you grow your career while contributing to the success of Farmlands.

You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks include references, Ministry of Justice check, right to work, driver’s licence check, and ACC history. Additional checks may apply for some roles.