Customer Manager - Dunedin

About the role

At New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), we help ambitious Kiwi businesses grow internationally - bigger, better, faster- for the good of New Zealand. Through deep commercial expertise and global connections, we enable our customers to turn their global ambitions into reality.

Responsibilities

• We're looking for a commercially astute, relationship-led Customer Manager to support a portfolio of primarily export customers.
• This is a high-impact role where you'll work closely with customers who are at a critical stage of their growth journey - helping them prioritise, sharpen their strategy, and connect to the right support to accelerate international success.
• Leveraging your strong international commercial experience, understanding of how to grow and scale start-ups to become successful, as well as your know-how and know-who networks, you will support businesses' growth strategies across a variety of verticals.
• You'll be part of a tight-knit regional team, while also tapping into NZTE's global network to deliver meaningful outcomes for customers and the wider sector.
• You'll partner deeply with your customers to drive real commercial outcomes, including:
• Building trusted, long-term partnerships with a portfolio of export customers
• Understanding each customer's business, growth ambition, and key challenges
• Co-designing focused, practical work programmes aligned to their global goals
• Prioritising effort where it will create the greatest commercial impact
• Challenging thinking constructively, with insight and credibility
• Connecting customers to NZTE experts, networks, and offshore opportunities
• Leveraging regional and global relationships to unlock growth
• What you'll need to be successful:
• You'll bring a strong mix of commercial acumen, curiosity, and relationship depth, along with:
• Experience supporting export growth, international expansion, or scaling businesses - experience with FBCG preferred
• The ability to work with early-stage companies and bring structure and focus
• Strong stakeholder management with the ability to influence and build trust quickly
• A practical, outcome-oriented mindset with strong prioritisation skills
• Confidence to challenge constructively and guide customers through complexity
• A collaborative, team-first approach and a passion for NZTE's purpose
• Demonstrated AI awareness, with an openness and curiosity to build capability in this space
• Able to work proactively and independently while staying connected and aligned with a remote manager, contributing effectively as part of a wider team
• Exceptional communication skills, ensuring clarity, consistency and connection when working with stakeholders in different locations
• You'll also bring energy, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping customers succeed.
• This is a unique opportunity to shape the growth of Otago and Southland's export ecosystem. You'll work with ambitious businesses at pivotal moments where the support you provide can make a tangible difference to their success and to New Zealand's broader economic impact.
• NZTE offers flexible working arrangements of 3 days in the office (or out with customers), a fun and stimulating environment, with a unique opportunity to develop and access world class business networks and work with a talented, diverse international team.
• What's next:
• For more information about the role, please review the PD here: Customer_Manager_-_PD. If this sounds like the opportunity you have been waiting for, we would love to hear from you.
• Please apply online with your Resume and Cover Letter by 11:59 PMTuesday 7 July 2026 telling us why this role is the perfect fit for you.
• This role is banded NZ Level 17.
• 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.

Additional Information

Join a diverse, collaborative environment that inspires lifelong learning Enjoy hybrid working, 5 weeks annual leave, and genuine work-life balance Be supported to thrive with a strong focus on holistic wellbeing

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