This role is based in Wellington. 

 Who we are:

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. 

What you’ll be doing: 

You will inspire, coach, guide and grow your team of Customer Managers based in Wellington, New Plymouth and Dunedin.  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 across a range of sectors, and deliver innovative solutions that drive measurable business growth. 

You will play a key role in ensuring our global teams work together to provide a seamless personal and digital experience focused on growth 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, and the empathy and ambition you carry for their journey.  A champion of innovation, 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. 

What you’ll need to be successful: 

• 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 encourage open communication, feedback, and accountability. You are someone who leans into challenges and difficult conversations to ensure your team is achieving success and learning from their mistakes.
• You'll be a culture driver who leads by example and embeds integrity, collaboration, and innovation into everything you do. You create a respectful environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and people feel empowered to contribute, promoting continuous learning and experimentation.  You encourage open communication, feedback, and accountability to strengthen team cohesion. 
• Proven experience in driving innovation and delivering growth within commercial environments, along with strong sector knowledge and connections, is essential. Strong commercial acumen and a track record of navigating international markets and developing and executing export strategies are key. Relationships are central to this role, so a well-established, commercially relevant 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 exporters.  The work you do will directly contribute to the international growth 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! 

Why you’ll love working here: 

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. 

 This role is banded NZ Level 19. 

What's next: 

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 Friday 6 November telling us why this role is the perfect fit for you.  

We believe New Zealand is good for the World.  New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is an equal opportunity employer.  At NZTE it is all about our people and we seek diversity of thought; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity or disability.  If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition team.