Te Taurapa Tūhono | New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) exists to grow New Zealand companies internationally, bigger, better, faster for the good of New Zealand. As the Trade Commissioner, you will be the face of New Zealand in one of our most strategically important regional hubs, connecting exporters to opportunity and strengthening New Zealand’s visibility across the Singapore market and broader NZ Inc. ecosystem.

Singapore functions as a high pace, high engagement regional gateway for our customers. In this role, you’ll work closely with the High Commission, government agencies, business associations, and regional partners to unlock value for New Zealand companies across technology, manufacturing and food and beverage.

This is a dynamic, high visibility leadership role. As Trade Commissioner, you will lead a high-performing team of 3 Business Development Managers by inspiring, guiding, and elevating their performance and building their capability. You will foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Empowering the team to deliver impactful customer work efficiently.

You will drive customer growth by working directly with exporters to support market entry, strategic development, and commercial outcomes. Acting as a key contact for the region, you will utilise your global organisational knowledge to help customers scale faster. By partnering effectively across the organisation, you will ensure NZTE delivers a seamless “One Global Team” experience for exporters.

You will be responsible for building and strengthening strategic relationships with key NZ Inc. partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand High Commission staff, business groups and KEA networks. Your ability to cultivate influential connections and identify opportunities will be crucial in advancing New Zealand’s customers across the region.

As a representative of New Zealand, you will engage in high-level events, media opportunities, and networking functions. These often requiring excellent communication and public speaking skills and the confidence to participate in prominent regional activities.

You’ll bring the credibility, commercial acumen and leadership strength needed to thrive in a complex, high-exposure international role. Above all, you’ll bring empathy and a customer centred approach, knowing that while NZTE can do anything, we can’t do everything and must prioritise what drives the strongest outcomes for New Zealand businesses. In addition, you will need:

At least 10 years’ experience in leadership, international business, commercial operations, or related fields.

Strong commercial experience, able to deeply understand how business is done and relate authentically to exporters across diverse sectors.

Proven success operating in international markets, with cross cultural fluency and confidence working in global environments.

Exceptional relationship and stakeholder management skills, able to influence, connect and leverage networks to deliver outcomes.

Resilience, agility, adaptability and calm under pressure, with comfort navigating constant change.

A coaching and empowering leadership style, enabling your team to perform, grow, and collaborate effectively.

Digital and data confidence, with curiosity for new tools and technologies that enhance performance.

Strong personal confidence, professionalism, and the ability to build trust internally and externally.

This is an excellent opportunity to build your career with NZTE. You will be passionate about representing your country and working alongside a highly committed team who want to make a difference to New Zealand. You will love leading and developing a team and be excited by being part of the senior leadership team setting NZTE’s strategy for South East and East Asia. This role provides exposure to more mature, established New Zealand companies as well as start-ups, therefore the depth, breadth and scope of this role is quite special.

What's next:

For more information please read the Trade_Commissioner_-_PD and if this sounds like your next career move, apply online. Applications close midnight NZT 1 March 2026

Before applying, please review the notes below regarding eligibility for this role.

- This contract will be for a fixed term of 3 years with the potential to extend to 5 years. Remuneration will be a competitive Expat Package.

- This role requires various vetting procedures including a National Security Clearance

- Please use this self-check tool below to find out if you might be eligible to apply for a national security clearance:Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements

Please note: The results are a guide only. If eligible, the official vetting process will still need to be completed. If you're not eligible, the factors that may contribute to this result will be provided.