Te Taurapa Tūhono | New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand’s international business development agency. We exist for one purpose – to grow businesses internationally, bigger, better, faster for the good of New Zealand. We use our extensive knowledge and global networks to help Kiwi businesses turn their global ambitions into reality.

In the Export Customers Team we have a fantastic leadership opportunity to power up our offering, delivering greater impact to export businesses across New Zealand.

You will inspire, coach and guide your team of Customer Managers. You’ll motivate your team to set ambitious goals aligned with our strategy and provide clarity on the vital role they play in delivering exceptional growth for customers, the sector and NZ.

Your team will strategically lead portfolios of Manufacturing, Tech & Services exporters customer portfolios, working with export company leadership teams to set and achieve export goals. You will play a key role in ensuring our global teams work together to provide a seamless personal and digital experience for every customer, every time.

You will be skilled at nurturing and growing a high performing team, with a keen focus on development and operational excellence. You will influence NZTE strategy, culture and priorities through your strong understanding of kiwi export businesses in the Manufacturing, Tech & Services sectors, and the empathy and ambition you carry for their journey.

A champion of innovation and Kiwi Manufacturing, Tech & Services companies, you will be deeply connected from the start up eco-system through to established business networks. You will capitalise on your networking ability and contacts to fly the flag for Kiwi businesses within your own portfolio and wider sector networks.

- You’re already a leader who inspires people, in your team and in your wider circles. Leading high performing and high functioning teams is something you’re passionate about. You are well connected and love finding ways to collaborate with others, both within your own organisation and externally to get the best results. You lean into challenges and difficult conversations to ensure your team is achieving success and learning from their mistakes.

- Proven experience in driving innovation within commercial environments, along with strong sector knowledge and connections, is essential. Strong commercial acumen and a track record of navigating international markets and export strategies are key. Relationships are central to this role, so a well-established network throughout New Zealand and internationally is highly valuable.

- You’ll love this role because of your experience, passion for our purpose, and ambition for New Zealand and our tech sector exporters. The work you do will directly contribute to the success of our customers, and you will have scope to work at pace and take an adventurous innovative approach, leading your team to deliver outstanding results!

NZTE is a truly global organisation, giving you a wonderful experience of working with different cultures around the world as part of our everyday. We know that life is not all about work and flexible working at NZTE is standard practise. We will give you the right technology to allow you to work anywhere and balance your time. On top of this, we also offer 5 weeks annual leave so you can have that extra time in the year to enjoy what you love doing.

For more information about the role, please review the PD here: Customer_Director PD. If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply online with your CV and cover letter by 5pm, Tuesday 15 July 2025, telling us why this role is the perfect fit for you.

Please note: We will be shortlisting candidates as applications are received. If you are interested in this position, please do not wait to apply as we may close the ad earlier than advertised.