Trade Commissioner - Guangzhou & Hong Kong

We are seeking a commercially savvy leader to join our Greater China Leadership team as the Trade Commissioner - Guangzhou & Hong Kong, growing export opportunities for New Zealand.

This role is based in Guangzhou, with additional responsibility for Hong Kong.

You will lead across both offices, ensuring strong focus, a clear value proposition, and sustained momentum in each market - while contributing to an integrated Greater China regional approach. 

Who we are: 

NZTE is New Zealand's international business development agency. We work with some of New Zealand’s most forward-thinking companies, helping them to grow internationally bigger, better, faster for the good of New Zealand.  

What you’ll be doing:

As Trade Commissioner – Guangzhou & Hong Kong, you will lead NZTE’s presence across two dynamic markets.  From Guangzhou, you will drive strategy and execution across the Greater Bay Area and Mainland China, while continuing to build momentum and impact in Hong Kong. 

You will: 

• Work with the regional team to set and deliver clear market strategies 

• Lead a customer-focused operating rhythm that delivers meaningful outcomes for New Zealand exporters 

• Build strong partnerships across NZ Inc and the Consulate-General network to strengthen New Zealand’s trade presence 

• Cultivate purposeful networks that connect businesses, people, and opportunities 

As a visible regional leader, you will: 

• Communicate impact clearly back to New Zealand, translating complex market dynamics into compelling insights 

• Foster a cohesive, high-performing team, sharing momentum and success across the region 

What you’ll need to be successful: 

We’re looking for a senior leader who can operate with both energy and gravitas across complex stakeholder environments and two distinct markets.  

 
You will bring:  

• Proven leadership capability, able to influence and align teams both in-person and remotely, including driving action through virtual and offsite leadership.  

• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to quickly identify customer needs and translate them into clear, prioritised action to contribute to export growth.  

• Confident operating with autonomy, demonstrating sound judgement on where to focus effort while effectively leading across two markets with aligned direction and execution.  

• Strong strategic alignment to NZTE priorities, with the ability to communicate consistently and clearly across teams and stakeholders.  

• Exceptional networking and community-building skills, creating a connected ecosystem of partners & advisors to support NZ exporters and NZTE’s presence.  

• Highly collaborative approach, working seamlessly across Trade Commissioners, Operations, and Marketing & Comms, while breaking down silos to deliver shared outcomes.  

• Action-oriented with strong planning and storytelling capability, bringing clarity, momentum and engagement to both the team and exporters, and ensuring delivery is purposeful and impact-driven. 

 As the role covers both offices, regular travel to Hong Kong will be required.

Why you’ll love working here: 

NZTE has a well-developed organisational culture where people are committed to the cause. The team is passionate about helping their customers succeed in the Greater China region, and you will love leading and working with great people. You’ll also enjoy being part of the senior leadership team setting NZTE’s strategy for the region and liaising with our people in New Zealand.  

What’s next:    

For more information please read the Position Description - Trade Commissioner PD,  and if this sounds like your next career move, apply online with an updated CV and cover letter, outlining your relevant experience and interest in this particular posting. 

 Applications close 11.59pm Monday 15 June NZT. 

Before applying, please review the notes below regarding eligibility for this role.  

- You must be a New Zealand citizen to be eligible for this role. 

- This contract will be for a minimum fixed term of 3 years with the potential to extend to 5 years. Remuneration will be a competitive Expat Package. 

- This role requires various vetting procedures including a National Security Clearance  

Please use this self-check tool below to find out if you might be eligible to apply for a national security clearance: Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements  

Note: The results are a guide only. If eligible, the official vetting process will still need to be completed. If you're not eligible, the factors that may contribute to this result will be provided.