Job Description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.
Information at a Glance
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Job Title:  Customer Development Manager
Travel Required?:  Travel - up to 10% of time
Posting Start Date:  8/4/25
Hybrid

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #168527 - Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
 

Customer Development Manager Veterinary Channel

 

About Us: Hill’s Pet Nutrition - A Colgate-Palmolive Company

 

Ready to continue your career as a category leader? Hill’s is on the hunt for energetic go-getters who are ready to make the world a better place for pets and people alike!

 

Join Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a leader in pet food innovation and a subsidiary of the global Colgate-Palmolive Company. We are dedicated to enhancing the health of pets and people while committing to sustainability and social responsibility. Our diverse portfolio spans Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, and Pet Nutrition.

 

Our mission is to enrich the lives of pets worldwide with cutting-edge nutrition and a passionate team. We embody values of Caring, Global Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement, fostering a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. We offer a rewarding career path, work-life balance, and benefits such as Summer Hours, Live Better activities, Product Parcels, and Health Checks.

 

Job Summary:

 

Reporting to New Zealand’s Country Manager, the Customer Development Manager Vet Channel is pivotal in developing sales and business strategies for our key customers in the veterinary channel. This role plays a pivotal part in achieving our ambitious sales targets by cultivating partnerships with veterinary key accounts, securing optimal product placement, and developing strategies to drive brand recommendations with the profession.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

  • Manage a portfolio of accounts including corporate veterinary groups, buying groups and wholesalers.

  • Own the Customer P&L, including forecasting and planning.

  • Understand the importance of the veterinary profession and promote best practices to position Hill’s as a credible and preferred supplier.

  • Create and implement category strategies and plans with specific key accounts, leveraging brand strategies and field team call cycles to drive net sales.

  • Manage Commercial Value Planning by allocating commercial investment into the 6Ps activities.

  • Utilise analytics to drive ROI-focused discussions and strategies.

  • Preparation of contractual agreements and responsible for commercial and trading terms negotiations.

  • Collaborate with cross functional teams such as the broader Customer Development Team, Marketing, Digital and Supply Chain functions to build business opportunities and ensure planning accuracy.



About you:

  • Minimum of 3 years experience in a Key Account/ National Account Management role, preferably in Animal Health or FMCG Sectors.

  • Bachelor’s and/or Master's degree in business, commerce, or related field.

  • Experience in Pet or FMCG is highly regarded.

  • Strong strategic planning and relationship building skills.

  • A confident and clear communicator that can navigate the complexities of different retail environments.

  • Exceptional prioritisation skills and goal-oriented.

  • Proficiency in CRM, sales analytics tools, and Google Suite or equivalent software.

  • Strong team player with collaborative skills to meet customer needs and company objectives.

 

Never worked in the Pet Industry? That’s okay! We love to share the love about what we know as a global pet nutrition leader.

 

Other Fast Facts for Consideration:

  • Work Environment: This role is based in our Auckland office.

  • Diversity and Inclusion: Hill’s is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations are available upon request during the application and interview process.

  • Professional Development: We invest in our employees' growth, offering ongoing training, performance reviews, mentoring programs, and career advancement opportunities. Continuous improvement is part of our DNA. We provide regular feedback, encourage peer reviews, and support our employees in their pursuit of excellence.

  • Compensation and Benefits: We offer a competitive compensation package, including a bonus structure and comprehensive benefits. Details will be provided during the hiring process.

  • Application Process: Candidates are invited to submit their resume along with examples of quantifiable achievements. The selection process may include assessments, initial tasks, and interviews to evaluate fit for the role and alignment with our company values.

  • Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility: Hill’s is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. We actively engage in initiatives that support our planet and communities, and we welcome candidates who share these passions.

 

Travel Requirements 

  • Expected percentage of travel:  Up to 10%

 

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Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives  to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

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