New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Business Development Manager - Mining and Industrial Manufacturing at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (São Paulo, Brazil)

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise· São Paulo, Brazil·

Role details

Work type
Hybrid
Employment
Full-Time

Job description

  • Become a critical partner to NZ companies wanting to grow in Mercosur markets, based in Sao Paulo
  • Work with a customer portfolio based across Industrial Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Resources and Energy, Mining and Defence and Security
  • Competitive salary + learning & development budget + tools of the trade!

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency. As demand for New Zealand businesses continues to grow, the Sao Paulo team is seeking a Business Development Manager to support New Zealand's; Industrial Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Resources and Energy, Mining and Defence and Security, companies in successfully entering and thriving in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay markets.

The role is based in Avenida Paulista, Sāo Paulo, Brazil and is a locally engaged position – you must have the right to work in Brazil to be considered for this opportunity.

Who we are

Te Taurapa Tūhono | New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government's international business development agency.  We help New Zealand exporters to grow internationally for the benefit of New Zealand.

An exciting opportunity now exists within our Sāo Paulo based team for a proven international Business Development Manager (BDM), who can coach and guide businesses to commercial success in the Mercosur markets of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay

What you’ll be doing

Based in Sāo Paulo – Brazil's vibrant financial centre, you will support New Zealand businesses to develop and execute their business growth plans by; providing insight on the realities of the market, developing solutions that meet our customers' ambitions, identifying and providing strategic introductions, identifying potential in-market partners, helping develop new channels to market and building growth opportunities.

You will leverage your existing commercial relationships and develop networks across a range of customers who operate within a wide range of industries like -Industrial Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Resources and Energy, Mining and Defence and Security to assist our customers already in or looking to enter in market, with the aim of converting opportunities into value. It is preferred that you have experience selling into any/some of these sectors, and/or contacts with local sectorial stakeholders.

You will also play a key role in evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for our customers in comparison to their competitors, and then assist them in shaping and reshaping their strategies and business models to help them succeed.  There will be ample opportunity to work as part of our wider Latin America (LATAM) team, involved in projects that will see you work across and with different offices.

What you’ll need to be successful

You will have a solid understanding of the challenges of growing a successful international business in Brazil in particular, as well as knowledge of other Mercosur markets.

With strong knowledge and networks in Infrastructure, Resources and Energy, Mining, and Defence and Security sectors. You'll coach and guide New Zealand businesses to commercial success by defining their unique selling proposition and positioning them in their sector.  Your intellectual agility will help you identify business entry and expansion challenges and opportunities, even beyond your core expertise. Being action-oriented with strategic capability and teamwork skills is crucial.

Your broad experience spans consulting, sales, marketing, and account management. An active listener who is naturally adept at building relationships, you demonstrate excellent communication and influencing skills, maintain a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, and are committed to delivering results for customers and partner.  You'll turn market knowledge into actionable insights that drive competitive advantage, and strong planning, time management, and organizational skills will be key to your success in this busy and varied role.

To be successful in this role you must possess:

  • At least 8 years of commercial experience
  • Well-developed knowledge of and at least 2 years’ experience in sectors such as Infrastructure, Resources and Energy, Mining and Defence and Security in Brazil.
  • Demonstrated intellectual agility to swiftly diagnose business challenges and identify opportunities and a willingness to learn outside your core area of expertise.
  • Deep knowledge in a wide range of trade and economic issues, with comprehensive experience across multiple business disciplines including consulting, sales, marketing, and account management.
  • Excellent ability to leverage existing relationships across sectors and build new relationships and networks, with strong listening, influencing, and communication skills.
  • Maintain a growth mindset and a "can do" proactive attitude, using initiative to problem solve and deliver for clients.
  • Fluent in both English and Portuguese; ideally hold a tertiary business qualification and you must have the right to work in Brazil.
  • Spanish language skills and an interest in New Zealand are considered advantageous.

Why you’ll love working here

NZTE offers flexible working arrangements, 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.

If this opportunity sounds like you and you want to be part of an organisation with a mission to support kiwi ingenuity around the world, we'd like to hear from you.

What's next

If this role sounds perfect for you and you believe you have what it takes to really make it your own, check out the position description here,and apply now with you English-language cover letter and resume.

Applications close Sunday 8th November at 11:59pm BRT

At NZTE, you will be hired under the CLT model. This role has a monthly salary of around R$ 19,000 + health insurance.

To apply for this role, you must be fluent in both English and Portuguese; and you must have the right to work in Brazil.

Please note that we may close this advertisement early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

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.  If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition Specialist.

Why work at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

  • Flexible by default: Remote work, flexible hours, flexible return-to-work options after parental leave — arrangements that work for the individual, team, and NZTE.
  • Leave & wellbeing: For NZ-based employees: 5 weeks' annual leave, 10 days' sick/wellbeing leave (rollover up to 20 days), 10 days' domestic violence leave, and free annual flu vaccinations. Access to a dedicated mental health hub and Employee Assistance Programme with up to 6 confidential counselling sessions per year (extends to immediate whānau).
  • Development culture: Extensive in-house training (leadership, coaching, business acumen), a highly rated internal coaching programme, support for external study fees, and international/local secondment opportunities.
  • Inclusive workplace: Winner of the Leadership Award (Medium-Large Organisation) at the Diversity Awards NZ; first in the Champions for Change group to reach gender balance at all levels of leadership (40% women / 40% men / 20% any gender).
  • Cultural grounding: Kia Kaha — an overnight marae-based induction for new joiners — and a strong commitment to tikanga and te reo Māori.
  • Practical perks: KiwiSaver employer matching (3% per Life at NZTE page; "up to 3.5%" per the Careers page — conflicting reports, both cited below), Microsoft Surface laptop, iPhone where needed, corporate gym discounts, and Southern Cross medical discount scheme.
  • Global mobility: Nearly 50 locations mean real international career opportunities; annual 'Pounamu Awards' celebrate employee achievements.
  • Mission-driven work: Directly contributes to New Zealand's economic prosperity, with a strong sustainability agenda and an active employee community leading green initiatives.

Application questions