Director of International Missions

About the role

The Director Missions will lead New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s missions programme, ensuring world‑class experiences for exporters and strengthening New Zealand’s presence in key overseas markets. Reporting to the General Manager International, the role sits on the International Leadership Team and works across NZTE’s global network, government agencies and senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and deliver high‑quality outbound and inbound international missions that drive commercial outcomes.
• Lead a specialist missions team, acting as a centre of excellence to lift capability and improve practice.
• Shape priorities, align delivery and ensure execution from planning through to completion.
• Contribute to overall strategy and direction as a member of the International Leadership Team.
• Adapt quickly to changing circumstances, pivot delivery approaches and maintain confidence and quality.

Required profile

• Senior leadership experience in complex commercial, business, government or cross‑sector environments.
• Proven ability to develop and implement both strategy and operational plans.
• Comfortable leading through ambiguity, managing competing priorities and maintaining high quality.
• Strong people leadership – inspires, coaches and enables teams through influence and resilience.
• Excellent stakeholder leadership skills, building trust with senior officials across New Zealand and internationally.

Required skills