📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Business Growth Advisor - Food and Beverage
🔹 Company: New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
🔹 Location: Manhattan, New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
🔹 Category: Business Development
🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Advising New Zealand Food & Beverage companies on U.S. market entry and growth strategies
- Developing and executing strategic plans for portfolio companies
- Building and maintaining industry relationships within the U.S. ecosystem
- Collaborating with the NZTE team to enhance service offerings
- Working across multiple categories, channels, and growth phases in the Food & Beverage industry
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the U.S. Food & Beverage market, as well as the ability to quickly grasp the unique needs and challenges of each portfolio company.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Advise portfolio companies on U.S. market entry, growth, and commercialization strategies
✅ Develop and execute strategic plans for portfolio companies
✅ Build and maintain industry relationships within the U.S. ecosystem
✅ Collaborate with the NZTE team to enhance service offerings and create meaningful commercial impact
✅ Work across multiple categories, channels, and growth phases in the Food & Beverage industry
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong self-motivation, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Minimum 6 years of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, with a robust generalist background
Required Skills:
- Proven advisory experience in the F&B space
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of startup and scale-up environments
- Experience across multiple categories and channels in the F&B industry
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills
- Empathy and a growth mindset
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working as a consultant, buyer, distributor, or on the brand side
- First-hand experience taking premium products to market across multiple channels
- An established network within the U.S. Food & Beverage sector
ASSUMPTION: While a degree is preferred, equivalent experience and a strong track record in the industry will be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $143,000 - $159,000 per year (indicative, subject to experience and qualifications)
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance (metallic platinum plan)
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is indicative and subject to change based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support the well-being of employees.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: International Trade and Development
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees
Founded: 2003
Company Description:
- New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency
- NZTE works with forward-thinking companies to help them grow bigger, better, and faster around the world
- NZTE has five offices and more than 50 team members across the U.S. and Canada
Company Specialties:
- Export
- International business
- Investment
- Economic development
- Business capability and trade promotion
Company Website: https://www.nzte.govt.nz/
ASSUMPTION: NZTE is a government agency focused on supporting New Zealand businesses in their international growth efforts. The company's size and industry provide a unique opportunity for the right candidate to make a significant impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with potential for growth and career advancement
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Regional Director, North America
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in office, with flexibility for remote work)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the growth of New Zealand Food & Beverage companies in the U.S.
- Opportunity to develop and enhance skills in business development, strategic planning, and market analysis
- Potential for career progression within NZTE or the broader international business development sector
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for the right candidate to make a significant impact on the growth of New Zealand Food & Beverage companies in the U.S. market.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Manhattan, New York
Office Location(s): 139 Quay St, Auckland, 1010, NZ (headquarters); Manhattan, New York, United States (U.S. office)
Geographic Context:
- Manhattan, New York, is a major hub for the U.S. Food & Beverage industry, providing ample opportunities for networking and business development
- The U.S. market is diverse and dynamic, offering a wide range of opportunities for growth and innovation
- New Zealand is known for its high-quality, sustainable, and natural Food & Beverage products, providing a strong foundation for success in the U.S. market
Work Schedule: Flexible, with a focus on results and outcomes rather than hours worked
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing for collaboration and networking in the office while also providing flexibility for remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews to evaluate problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge
- Final interview with the Regional Director, North America
Key Assessment Areas:
- Industry knowledge and experience in the U.S. Food & Beverage market
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with NZTE's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your experience in the U.S. Food & Beverage market and your approach to strategic planning and business development
- Demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand Food & Beverage companies in the U.S. market
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Food & Beverage, Strategic Planning, Market Analysis, New Zealand, U.S. Market Entry, Portfolio Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills in detail.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Market research and analysis tools (e.g., Mintel, Euromonitor)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the industry and can be learned quickly by candidates with relevant experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centric: NZTE is focused on the success of its clients and partners
- Collaborative: NZTE values teamwork and collaboration both internally and with external partners
- Innovative: NZTE encourages creativity and innovation in its approach to business development
Work Style:
- Results-driven: NZTE focuses on outcomes and impact rather than hours worked
- Flexible: NZTE offers flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
- Dynamic: NZTE operates in a fast-paced and ever-changing international business environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate customer-centricity in your approach to business development?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you worked collaboratively with a team to achieve a common goal?
- How do you approach innovation and continuous learning in your role?
ASSUMPTION: NZTE values candidates who are aligned with its customer-centric, collaborative, and innovative culture, as well as those who are comfortable with a dynamic and flexible work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The U.S. Food & Beverage market is highly competitive, with well-established players and a constant stream of new entrants
- New Zealand Food & Beverage companies may face unique challenges in entering and growing in the U.S. market, such as regulatory requirements, distribution channels, and consumer preferences
- The role requires a high degree of self-motivation and autonomy, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more structured office environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by a strong candidate with relevant experience, a deep understanding of the U.S. Food & Beverage market, and a strategic approach to business development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Business Development Manager or Strategic Account Manager role in the Food & Beverage industry, with a focus on market entry and growth strategies for international clients
- Unlike other roles in the industry, this role is focused on supporting New Zealand Food & Beverage companies in the U.S. market, rather than working with U.S.-based companies
- This role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of clients, from startups to established enterprises, providing a unique breadth of experience and growth opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work with New Zealand Food & Beverage companies in the U.S. market, with a focus on market entry and growth strategies.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a go-to-market strategy for a New Zealand-based dairy company looking to enter the U.S. market
- Conducting market research and analysis to identify opportunities for a New Zealand-based pet food company in the U.S. market
- Working with a New Zealand-based wine producer to optimize its distribution channels and increase market share in the U.S.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges that candidates may face in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical profile of a New Zealand Food & Beverage company that succeeds in the U.S. market?
- How does NZTE support its clients in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of the U.S. Food & Beverage market?
- What are the most common challenges faced by New Zealand Food & Beverage companies entering the U.S. market, and how can they be overcome?
- How does NZTE measure the success of its business development efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used?
- What opportunities exist for growth and career advancement within NZTE, and how can candidates take advantage of them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the specific challenges and opportunities faced by New Zealand Food & Beverage companies in the U.S. market, as well as the role's fit within NZTE's broader business development efforts.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your experience in strategic planning, market analysis, and business development in the U.S. Food & Beverage market
- Follow up with a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
