Trade & Commercial Advisor - Tech And Services

Trade & Commercial Advisor - Tech and Services

This locally engaged role is based in our Riyadh office, with three office days and two remote days each week.

Who we are: New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency. We are looking for a Trade & Commercial Advisor to help New Zealand tech businesses land and expand. This role offers exposure to New Zealand's most innovative tech companies and provides the opportunity to work alongside a diverse range of founders, CXOs, and stakeholders across the globe.

What you'll be doing: Based in the New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh, we are looking for an ambitious and switched-on advisor to help New Zealand health, security, and defence Tech & Services businesses enter and thrive in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This is a strategic role that involves working closely with leadership teams to define their go-to-market strategy and provide business coaching. You'll collaborate with a broad portfolio of tech companies, at different stages of their export journey, to define product-market fit, qualify their total available market, and identify the best route to achieve market prominence. With a robust understanding of the challenges customers face, you will draw on your experience guiding foreign businesses, having either founded or contributed to a start-up's growth. This is a coaching role which requires commercial savvy, a healthy dose of self-awareness, empathy and a proven understanding of the growth phases of Tech companies. Your responsibilities will include offering expert insights on navigating the Saudi Arabian Intellectual Property Authority, making strategic introductions, conducting market analysis, and performing research to ensure businesses are well-positioned locally. You will also identify potential partners, develop new market channels, and pinpoint growth opportunities.

What you'll need to be successful: Commercial acumen is essential as you coach leaders on navigating regulatory frameworks, tariffs, and governmental relationships. Management level experience in business model design and go-to-market strategy, sales management, marketing, or consulting within the Tech and Services Sector, either at the enterprise level or with start-ups/scale-ups. Strong written and spoken English skills, and the confidence to engage with founders and senior leaders, quickly establishing trust and credibility both locally and with New Zealand businesses. Ability to work independently, receive feedback constructively, and collaborate proactively with regional colleagues and leaders for maximum impact. Flexibility to work in a rapidly changing market, with the self-awareness and initiative to capitalise on opportunities for our customers. Familiarity with CRM systems, the administrative requirements of deal entry and tracking of in-market activity performed for customers; experience in Big 4 or consulting is advantageous. An understanding of the NZ business landscape or a connection to New Zealand is highly desirable. Comfortable with regional travel (approximately every two months) and working with C-level executives and government officials. Please note that internally this position is referred to as Business Development Manager.

Why you'll love working here: This is your opportunity to represent New Zealand on the international stage and join a team of commercially astute individuals who learn from each other's depth of private sector and international experience and who have a strong commitment to lifting New Zealand's economic performance. Our environment encourages experimentation, constant learning, having brave conversations, intellectual challenge, and absolute honesty. We keep promises and honour commitments. We celebrate the mana (strength and dignity) of each other as being equal to or greater than our own.

What's next: This is a locally engaged position based in our Riyadh office, with three days in the office (or out with customers) and two days working from home. Do you think you have what it takes? Then we want to hear from you. Please read the position description here, and apply now. Applications close Wednesday 17 September at 5pm Riyadh time. 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. 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.