Commercial Manager - Operations

Commercial Manager, Newmarket, Auckland

At Tegel, we're passionate about feeding New Zealand and continuously improving the way we operate. We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded Commercial Manager to join our Finance Leadership team and partner closely with our CFO and senior operational leaders to drive performance across the business.

This is a highly influential role that sits at the heart of our operations, providing insight, challenge, and financial leadership to support better decision-making, improved profitability, and sustainable growth.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Commercial Manager is responsible for leading the commercial finance support across Tegel's operations. You'll work closely with leaders across manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and support functions, helping turn financial insights into actions that improve business performance.

You'll challenge assumptions, evaluate opportunities, influence investment decisions, and ensure robust financial disciplines are maintained across the operational value chain.

Leading a commercial finance team located across multiple sites, you'll play a critical role in assessing operational performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, and supporting strategic decision-making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with operational leaders to improve profitability, productivity, and business performance.
• Provide commercial insight and constructive challenge to support effective decision-making.
• Lead the financial evaluation of operational initiatives, capital investments, product developments, and business improvement programmes.
• Deliver high-quality forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and financial analysis.
• Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Ensure accurate operational costing and performance reporting across the business.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and areas for continuous improvement.
• Drive stronger commercial and financial capability across operational teams.
• Maintain robust financial controls, governance, and compliance standards.
• Lead and develop a high-performing commercial finance team.
• Support strategic planning through business case development, financial modelling, and scenario analysis.
• Provide insightful commentary and recommendations to the CFO and senior leadership team.
• Play a key role in driving operational excellence and ensuring the business maximises value across the production and supply chain.

About You

We're looking for a commercially astute finance leader who combines strong technical capability with the confidence to influence, challenge, and drive change.

You will bring:

• CA (or equivalent) qualification.
• Proven commercial finance experience within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, or operationally intensive environments.
• Strong understanding of standard costing and operational P&L management.
• Advanced financial analysis, forecasting, and modelling capability.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.
• A track record of identifying opportunities and turning insights into action.
• Strong leadership experience with a proven ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with Power BI or similar reporting tools.
• High levels of resilience, initiative, and a passion for delivering results.

Why Join Tegel?

At Tegel, we know great people make a real difference. In return for your expertise and leadership, we offer:

• Competitive salary package
• 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• On-site car parking
• Staff sales and product discounts
• Ongoing development and career growth opportunities
• The opportunity to influence key commercial decisions in one of New Zealand's leading food businesses

This is an opportunity to work alongside senior leaders, shape operational performance, and make a meaningful impact on the success of the business.

If you're a commercially savvy finance leader who enjoys partnering with the business, challenging thinking, and delivering meaningful outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help drive the future performance of Tegel.