Owns the performance of a product category, managing range, pricing, promotions, and supplier relationships. Analyses sales data to optimise product mix and margins. A commercial role common in NZ retail and FMCG companies. Strong analytical skills, commercial judgement, and comfortable relationships with suppliers define success. Many category managers build their careers in retail head offices before moving across sectors in the broader consumer goods industry. The role touches everything from supplier contracts to store shelves, so seeing the whole chain matters. Success is measured in ranges, margin, and sales, making it a strong platform for broader commercial roles.

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Total Remuneration Range

Base salary + bonuses, based on 2 submissions

Minimum Wage
$49,816
Living Wage
$62,192
Median
$100,000
90th Percentile
$102,400
Minimum Wage
$23.95/hr
$49,816/year
This role pays 2 times the minimum wage
+101%
Living Wage
$29.90/hr
$62,192/year
1.6×
This role pays 1.6 times the living wage
+61%
National Wage Percentile
$100,000
median salary for this role
Top 21.8%
This role's median is higher than 78.2% of all NZ wage/salary earners
620,460 earners at or above this salary
Source: IRD Wage & Salary Distributions — March 2026

Common questions about Category Manager pay

Based on 2 anonymous submissions

What is the median salary for Category Manager in New Zealand?

Across 2 anonymous submissions, the median total salary for a Category Manager in New Zealand is $100,000 per year. Total remuneration ranges from about $97,600 (10th percentile) to $102,400 (90th percentile).

How does Category Manager pay compare with NZ wage benchmarks?

A full-time median of $100,000 per year compares with the NZ minimum wage of $49,816 per year and the living wage of $62,192 per year.

What does a Category Manager earn at each experience level?

Median pay by experience: Senior (6-9 Yrs) $95,000.

Most Common Perks

Based on 2 submissions

Viewing perks for selected submission
  • Flexible Working Hours 100%
    • Annual Performance Bonus 100%
      • KiwiSaver Match > 3% 50%
        • Remote / Hybrid WFH 0%
          • Health Insurance 0%
            • Extra Annual Leave (5+ Weeks) 0%

Pay by Experience Level

Median salary progression

Senior (6-9 Yrs)
$95,000

All Submissions (2)

Click a submission to see its perks
$103,000
Auckland 6 - 9 years (Senior) Sep 2026
$97,000
Auckland 6 - 9 years (Senior) Sep 2026

Salary by Location

Auckland
$97,600 $100,000 $102,400