About the Company:
Van Dyck Fine Foods (VDFF) was founded in 1999 and is a market leader in hotplate-baked, frozen thaw-back products, proudly crafted to traditional Belgian recipes. The VDFF portfolio includes Pancakes, Pikelets, Blinis and Crepes.
With strong backing from Oriens Capital, VDFF has experienced significant incremental growth over the last 7–8 years and has ambitious plans to continue expanding, including digitisation, new systems, and international markets.
Operating from New Plymouth, VDFF employs over 80 people and produces both its own Marcels branded products and private label/contract manufacturing for leading distributors across NZ, Australia, and Asia.
About the Role:
This newly created Business Manager role will be a key member of the Leadership Team and reflects VDFF’s growth strategy, with a dedicated focus on New Zealand. You’ll be responsible for managing key supermarket accounts and foodservice partners, while leading a national field team of four.
From category reviews and promotional planning to sales strategy and distributor management, you’ll blend strategic and executional responsibilities to drive continued growth in a mature market. Reporting to the CEO, this is a role where you’ll shape the future of VDFF’s NZ sales and be part of a team focused on local and international growth.
Key areas of focus include:
- Building and deepening relationships with Foodstuffs, Woolworths, and foodservice distributors
- Driving sales and promotional programmes through strong use of data and insights using the likes of Circana
- Leading and coaching a part-time field sales team across NZ
- Delivering growth in both grocery and foodservice channels despite high domestic market share
- Collaborating with Marketing, Supply Chain, and Production to ensure execution excellence
About You:
We’re looking for a commercially astute sales leader with a strong FMCG grocery background and the ability to turn data into insights and strategies. You’ll have proven experience managing grocery accounts, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to lead and coach a team.
Previous Foodservice experience is an advantage but not required, as full training will be provided — what matters most is your analytical strength, commercial drive, and ability to influence at a senior level.
This role would suit someone looking to step away from a larger FMCG business into a broader, business-critical role.
We are also seeking candidates in Auckland or other cities in NZ seeking a lifestyle shift to Taranaki, or locals ready to return home for a career-defining opportunity.
Apply Now!
To find out more, please get in touch with Josh Pidduck on +64 22 639 2831 for a confidential chat.
To apply for this vacancy you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.
At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying.
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