Job Description

• High‑impact advisory role working with ambitious Kiwi tech founders and CEOs
• Flexible hybrid working environment (minimum three days office‑based and/or with customers)
• Progressive inclusive culture that values diversity, wellbeing and continuous learning

Are you an experienced commercial leader looking for a strategic, purpose‑driven role where you can apply your deep tech and market expertise to help ambitious businesses scale internationally?

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is seeking a Commercial Business Advisor – Technology to partner with innovative New Zealand tech companies as they enter and expand in the Australian market. Based in either central Sydney or Melbourne, this role offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of entrepreneurial commercial strategy, international growth and national economic impact.

Who We Are

Te Taurapa Tūhono | New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand’s international business development agency. We work alongside some of New Zealand’s most forward‑thinking companies, helping them grow internationally, bigger, better, faster, for the benefit of New Zealand.

Our people are united by a shared sense of purpose: combining commercial acumen with a genuine desire to help others succeed and contribute to New Zealand’s economic prosperity.

What You Will Be Doing

As part of NZTE’s Sydney or Melbourne based team, you will act as a trusted commercial advisor to high‑potential New Zealand technology companies entering and scaling in Australia.

This is a varied and influential role where you will work closely with founders, CEOs and executive teams, no two days are the same. You will provide strategic guidance across market entry, customer development and expansion, drawing on your commercial judgement, sector knowledge and in‑market networks. Managing a portfolio of Tech companies at different growth stages, you will support the development and execution of business models that support leadership teams to navigate the nuances of operating successfully in Australia.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partnering with senior leadership teams to shape, test and execute Australian market‑entry and growth strategies
• Identifying and facilitating high‑value strategic introductions to customers, partners and ecosystem players

• Work collaboratively with NZ-based Customer Managers and NZTE colleagues to deliver coordinated, high impact growth plans

• Providing in‑market insights through your commercial experience and practical advice
• Supporting the development of scalable go‑to‑market models, partnerships and distribution channels
• Working collaboratively across NZTE’s Australia, New Zealand and global teams to advance New Zealand’s economic development objectives

This role enables you to operate at a senior advisory level while staying close to markets, leadership teams and real commercial outcomes.

What You Will Need to Be Successful

You will bring 10+ years of senior‑level commercial experience within the technology sector, gained through roles such as scaling a tech business, leading enterprise or startup growth, strategic consulting, partnerships, corporate development or commercial leadership.

You will also offer:

• Strong commercial judgement and the credibility to work peer‑to‑peer with founders, CEOs and executive teams
• Deep understanding of the Australian tech and innovation ecosystem, with relevant industry networks
• The ability to assess business strengths, risks and opportunities, and translate insight into practical growth strategies
• Excellent communication, business advisory and relationship‑management skills

• Commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to ask the right questions and guide smart growth decisions

• A proactive, adaptable mindset and a willingness to roll up your sleeves when required
• Confidence working in virtual and cross‑border teams

Equally important is cultural fit. You are motivated by purpose as much as performance. You value using your experience to help others succeed, thrive in collaborative environments, and are driven by long‑term impact, not just short‑term wins.

Why You Will Love Working Here

NZTE offers a flexible, stimulating and values‑led work environment, with a unique opportunity to operate at a senior advisory level while contributing to something bigger than any one organisation.

You will:

• Work with a diverse, high‑calibre international team, and access to world‑class business networks across Australia, New Zealand and globally
• Be supported in your ongoing professional development, with a dedicated learning and development budget
• Be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, whether virtually or in person

This role is ideal for those seeking a high‑impact, purpose‑aligned next chapter without stepping away from meaningful commercial work.

What’s Next

If this opportunity aligns with your experience and motivations, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: internally at NZTE, the title of this role is Business Development Manager However, this position operates as a senior Commercial Advisory role focused on strategic market entry and growth.

Please review the full position description here and apply with your CV and cover letter.

You must have the right to work in Australia and a genuine passion for New Zealand.
Applications close 5pm AEST, Tuesday 14 April 2026

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity of thought and welcome applications regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity or disability.

If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition Partner.