Business Development Manager - Pacific

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand Government’s international business development agency. We work with some of New Zealand's most forward-thinking companies, helping them to grow internationally bigger, better, faster for the benefit of New Zealand.

Based out of the New Zealand High Commission in Suva, we support New Zealand companies from a variety of sectors interested in establishing and growing in Fiji and across the Pacific region. 

Following strong trade growth in the region, our Pacific Trade Commission based in Suva, Fiji is looking for an experienced, and dynamic professional to join the team as a Business Development Manager. 

This is an opportunity to work for the New Zealand government in an important international market; to make a difference for New Zealand businesses; particularly those engaged in infrastructure and development-related work; and to help grow trade and business links between New Zealand and the Pacific.

In this role you will use your experience, business acumen and networks to become a trusted partner for New Zealand businesses to help them thrive in Fiji and across the Pacific.  

You will proactively support New Zealand companies – particularly those focusing on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, technology and engineering-focused markets including to:

-          Develop, optimise and deliver their market entry and growth strategies;

-          Identify the best in-market partners and the channels to market;

-          Understand and navigate regulatory processes; and

-          Help identify and mitigate risk and overcome challenges.  

You’ll build and strengthen influential networks with senior executives and leaders in Fiji and across the Pacific.

You will also represent New Zealand at relevant business events and play an important role in delivering NZTE’s strategic priorities across the Pacific.

A superb relationship manager and team player, you will work closely with NZTE’s Pacific Trade Commissioner as well as other New Zealand government representatives Fiji and across the region; and with a broad network of business and public sector partners to help advance New Zealand’s trade and economic development objectives across the Pacific.

With 8+ years of deep commercial, business advisory or economic development experience, and a strong technical understanding of economic development, as well as business development in the infrastructure or manufacturing sectors, you’ll possess the know-who and know-how to manage a portfolio of companies and network of relationships within these sectors. 

You’ll play a key role in assessing businesses’ value propositions, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities and will provide expert advice, insight and connections to support them with market entry and growth strategies in Fiji and across the Pacific.

Ideally you will have strong experience and networks in business advisory, public sector and international development processes, as well as technical understanding of the infrastructure, manufacturing, tech and distribution sectors in Fiji and/or across the Pacific region.

 Good business acumen and the confidence to work with senior international business executives as well as public sector and international partners will be critical. 

A ‘can-do’ attitude will be key.  As part of a small, high performing team, you will be enthusiastic and willing to “roll your sleeves up” to work proactively and creatively to help New Zealand businesses in a range of sectors and markets. You’ll have outstanding communication and relationship skills with an ability to build trust and rapport with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

A proactive, adaptive nature, creative problem-solving skills and ability to work in virtual teams across a wide range of issues, markets and sectors will be vital to success. 

You will love this role if you are looking to make a difference for New Zealand in the Pacific, and to grow your networks and expertise across a broad range of business sectors and markets.

You will be passionate about representing New Zealand, and New Zealand businesses and working alongside a highly committed team who want to make a difference to New Zealand’s trade and economic connections in the Pacific.

You will love leading, making connections, building relationships, and working collaboratively to deliver tangible results for our customers. This is a great opportunity to work with the senior leadership team setting NZTE’s strategy for the Pacific.

This role is based at the New Zealand High Commission in Suva.  You will therefore also be part of a larger inter-agency team within the High Commission, which represents New Zealand in Fiji and will need to work in a way that upholds and supports New Zealand’s values and partnerships in Fiji and across the Pacific region.

Do you think you have what it takes? Then we want to hear from you.

To learn more about the role, please check out the position description here, and apply with a copy of your resume and cover letter.

You must have the right to live and work in Fiji to be eligible for this role.