Territory Manager

About the company

Ecolab’s Global Food Retail division supports food retailers with cleaning and food-safety solutions designed to reduce risk and help stop foodborne illness. The business partners closely with customers to identify safety gaps and improve protection standards across retail environments.

About the role

Based in Wellington, this Territory Manager position oversees a portfolio of customer accounts across Wellington and surrounding areas. The role focuses on on-site evaluations, coaching, and reporting related to food safety, brand protection, customer service quality, and overall store cleanliness in grocery and food retail settings.

What you will do

• Visit supermarkets and other food retail locations as a field-based representative.
• Carry out recurring site audits, typically on a monthly or quarterly cycle.
• Review food-handling practices, hygiene, staff safety, and store presentation standards.
• Spot compliance gaps, operational risks, and areas that need improvement.
• Train and coach store teams on food safety and best practices.
• Offer practical advice that helps stores meet compliance expectations.
• Develop trusted working relationships with customers and store managers.
• Share audit outcomes and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate with internal account teams to address customer concerns.
• Prepare written visit reports and keep customer records up to date.
• Organize your own schedule and plan efficient daily travel routes.
• Maintain and install cleaning and sanitation equipment when required.
• Travel overnight when needed, usually around 5 nights per month.

Why this role may suit you

• Independent work style with a flexible field-based setup.
• Company car plus access to tools, technology, and resources to support the job.
• Strong focus on safety, including training and protective equipment.
• Benefits available from the first day of employment.
• Opportunity to build a long-term career path with advancement potential.
• Exposure to some of New Zealand’s largest and best-known clients.

Background and experience

The company is looking for someone with a background in food service, grocery, or hospitality. Prior food safety experience is required for this position.

Skills and personal qualities

You should bring strong written and verbal communication skills, confidence in working with senior customers, and the ability to coach, teach, and give constructive feedback with tact and diplomacy. Good relationship management is also important.

About the employer

Ecolab’s Food Retail Services team delivers millions of food safety and compliance observations every year through audits and training. The division helps grocery stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets strengthen compliance, protect their brands, and improve business performance worldwide.

Additional information

The preferred candidate will need to complete employment screening carried out by Ecolab or its external third-party provider.

Equal opportunity

Ecolab states that it is committed to fair treatment and equal opportunity in recruitment and advancement. Hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and career opportunities are based on individual qualifications and job performance. Discrimination is not tolerated on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, age, or disability.