Senior Product Planner

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk Be part of the team that is responsible for planning of Toyota, GR & Lexus vehicles coming into NZ! We are looking for an experienced and detail-orientated Senior Product Planner to join our Product Planning team based at our Head Office in Palmerston North. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of Toyota and Lexus products in New Zealand. You'll play a key role in developing product strategies, shaping vehicle line-ups, negotiating specifications with Toyota Motor Corporation, and ensuring our products continue to meet the evolving needs of New Zealand customers. As a senior member of the team, you'll combine market insight, strategic thinking and product expertise to deliver recommendations that balance customer expectations, business performance, environmental objectives, regulatory requirements and market competitiveness. What you'll be doing As a Senior Product Planner, you will: Develop and recommend vehicle line-up, grade and specification strategies for Toyota and Lexus products. Analyse market trends, customer needs, competitor activity and industry developments to identify opportunities and inform strategic product planning decisions. Lead the development of product planning proposals that support Toyota New Zealand's long-term business objectives. Negotiate vehicle specifications and product requirements with Toyota Motor Corporation and Trans-Tasman stakeholders to deliver commercially successful outcomes. Provide expert product planning advice across the business, influencing product positioning, marketing communications and sales strategies. Support the successful launch of new vehicles through stakeholder engagement, presentations, product training and business briefings. Monitor legislative, regulatory and industry developments to ensure product offerings remain compliant, competitive and aligned to market needs. Build strong relationships with local and international stakeholders to drive alignment and successful business outcomes. What you'll bring Experience in product planning, automotive, marketing, business analysis or a related field. Strong commercial, analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify opportunities and translate insights into recommendations. Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility across a range of audiences. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills. A proactive, self-motivated and solutions-focused approach, combined with a genuine interest in the automotive industry and emerging mobility trends. A relevant tertiary qualification in Product Engineering, Automotive, Mechanical Engineering, Business, Marketing or a related discipline would be advantageous. What's in it for you? At Toyota New Zealand, we invest in our people and offer a range of benefits, including: Southern Cross Health Insurance Staff purchasing benefits and discounts across our range of products Subsidised on-site café and free parking Ongoing learning and development opportunities Career development within a global organisation Fantastic team culture and supportive working environment The opportunity to work with one of New Zealand's most trusted and recognised brands About Toyota New Zealand Toyota New Zealand is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan, and in 2025 celebrated 38 years of vehicle market leadership in New Zealand. We're focused on winning the hearts of New Zealanders through exceptional customer experiences and mobility solutions for all. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, diversity and making a positive contribution to the communities we serve. At Toyota New Zealand, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. To be considered for this role, applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. #J-18808-Ljbffr