Director External Partnerships

A leader and strategic influencer, as Director External Partnerships you will be a lynchpin between our internal team and wider NZ Inc agencies. Reporting to the General Manager of SPP, you'll be a vital contributor to the direction and success of the Group, and provide leadership of a team of 6.

Ideally this role will be Wellington-based. 

Who we are (Ko Te Taurapa Tūhono tēnei): 

NZTE is New Zealand's international business development agency. We exist for one purpose - to grow companies internationally, bigger, better, faster for the good of NZ. Our Strategy, People and Partners (SPP) Group sits at the nerve centre of NZTE, providing essential services and expertise that enables NZTE to have the biggest possible impact growing companies. 

A leader and strategic influencer, as Director External Partnerships you will be a lynchpin between our internal team and wider NZ Inc agencies. Reporting to the General Manager of SPP, you'll be a vital contributor to the direction and success of the Group, and provide leadership of a team of 6.  You'll be a problem solver, able to convey a strong sense of how NZTE works, and able to influence policy settings to help achieve the government’s goal to double the value of exports in 10 years. You'll also have the credibility to network, connect, and influence at a senior level. 

What you’ll be doing | Te whakamahere:

• Engage and Build Relationships: Lead high-quality engagement with external partners, including key NZ Inc. agencies and private sector bodies. 
• Inform and Connect Stakeholders: Ensure NZTE internal stakeholders are informed of and connected to key NZ Inc. initiatives impacting NZTE customers. 
• Participate and Influence: Actively participate in external groups and projects, influencing strategies, policy settings and their implementation to achieve the government’s double exports goal. 
• Lead Sector-Based Work: Lead NZTE’s sector-based initiatives, maintain our sector taxonomy, and ensure alignment of our sector work with government strategic priorities. 

What you’ll need to be successful | Ō Pūkenga:

• Strong communicator who is able to connect to our customers’ work and challenges to others with empathy, credibility and commercial reality.   
• Understand the context and dynamics of working in government and have the ability to build relationships with a broad range of stakeholders both internally and externally.   
• Strong relationship and influencing skills - be able to adapt and navigate the relationship between various NZ Inc. and private sector bodies, and with internal stakeholders, for the benefit of our customers. Collaborates well with peers and senior internal stakeholders.  
• Proven leadership experience – experience leading a high-performing and engaged team or has demonstrated leadership in a role without formal authority. 
• Strong networks and understanding of NZ Inc including key NZ Inc. agencies e.g. MBIE, MFAT, MPI, Treasury, TPK and Callaghan Innovation, and with key private sector bodies/organisations.  

Why you’ll love working here | Nau mai ki Te Taurapa Tūhono:

If you love a role with variety, ambiguity and challenge that navigates between the commercial world and government then this could be the role for you. You’ll work as part of an awesome team that is purpose-led and loves working in an internationally focused environment. We’re a flexible employer, GrowYou is at the heart of our promise to our people, and we care deeply about our people.  

What's next | Te ara ki tua:

To express your interest in this exciting opportunity, please apply with a CV and cover letter before 10am Monday 2nd December (NZST). Click here to view the Position Description 

If you have any issues applying, please send your application directly to: [email protected]

We currently operate a hybrid working model of 3 days in office or with customers.

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 though; 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 recruiter.