Business Development Executive

This role is based in Manhattan, New York. Who we are: New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency. We work with some of New Zealand's most forward-thinking companies, helping them grow bigger, better, and faster around the world. We have five offices and more than 50 team members across the U.S. and Canada driving this purpose. New Zealand Food & Beverage is renowned for its exceptional taste, high-quality, natural and sustainable products, and high food safety standards. New Zealand is particularly known for its grass-fed red meat and dairy, sustainable wine and aquaculture, liquid gold Mānuka honey, pet food packed with novel proteins, and a variety of well-sourced and innovative consumer packaged goods. Many New Zealand producers prioritize sustainability, guided by the Māori principle of kaitiakitanga: to protect and safeguard the land, sea, and people for future generations. What you’ll be doing: As a Business Growth Advisor, you’ll work one-on-one with a portfolio of New Zealand Food & Beverage (F&B) companies to help them grow and succeed in the U.S. market. These companies range from early-stage entrants seeking market validation to well-established brands looking to scale or maintain their competitive edge. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor—building deep relationships with founders and executives to understand their business models, growth ambitions, and operational realities. Through commercially focused conversations, you’ll help them navigate the complexities of the U.S. market and make informed, strategic decisions. Your work will include: - Supporting companies in developing and executing their U.S. market strategies. - Advising on key areas such as consumer segmentation, product differentiation, channel selection, supply chain, branding, and marketing. - Helping companies assess the feasibility of entering or expanding in the U.S., and identifying the most effective pathways to growth. - Leveraging your own expertise and NZTE’s global network to connect companies with relevant partners, service providers, and market insights. - Tailoring your approach to each company’s stage of growth—whether they’re validating their product-market fit, scaling operations, or defending market share. You’ll also collaborate closely with a passionate team of F&B specialists across North America, sharing insights and contributing to the evolution of NZTE’s service offerings. What you’ll need to be successful: We’re looking for a commercially savvy, empathetic advisor with deep experience in the U.S. Food & Beverage landscape. You’re a natural connector and problem-solver who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys working with entrepreneurs. You’ll ideally have: -10+ years of experience in the U.S. F&B industry, ideally with exposure to both startups and established brands. - A strong generalist background across sales, marketing, distribution, or brand strategy. - Experience launching or scaling premium or natural products in the U.S. market. - Familiarity with multiple go-to-market channels, including grocery (natural and conventional), food service, and e-commerce. - A strong network within the U.S. F&B or CPG ecosystem (bonus if you’ve worked as a consultant, buyer, distributor, or brand-side operator). - A collaborative, curious mindset and the ability to adapt quickly to different business models and growth stages. Why you’ll love working here: This role offers a valuable opportunity to apply your well-honed strategic thinking in an international environment and contribute to the New Zealand Food & Beverage community. NZTE offers a flexible and stimulating environment with a unique opportunity to develop and access world-class business networks within a talented, diverse, and global group. We’re a public service organization that cares for our team and supports them with flexible working options, technology, development opportunities, and support so they can perform at their best. NZTE currently operates in a hybrid working environment, with time required in the Manhattan office as well as flexible work-from-home options. Travel is needed to visit industry events, customers, and attend team meetings. This role involves working across multiple time zones, so flexibility is important. An indicative compensation range for this role is between $147,000 - $164,000 per year, which includes a metallic platinum medical insurance plan with dental and vision coverage. Please note, internally this role is known as a Business Development Manager (BDM). What’s next: Please check out the position description here and apply with a current CV. Please include a cover letter describing why you think you are suited to this role. This vacancy closes 5pm EDT Friday 22nd August 2025. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Employment visa sponsorship is not available. If you have any issues uploading your CV and cover letter, please send directly to: View email address on click.appcast.io Learn more about NZTE culture here: 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. We also welcome applications from Veterans.