Business Growth Advisor - Agribusiness

• Exciting and broad range work with innovative Agritech companies
• 4 weeks annual leave, 13 public holidays plus 7 days sick leave
• Diverse and collaborative environment that supports lifelong learning opportunities

 

Use your experience in the agriculture sector to support New Zealand Agritech products and services importing into the United States.

 

This position is available in Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid) or Denver, CO (Remote).

 

Who we are:

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency. We are a hands-on, collaborative, and commercially focused team, working with some of New Zealand's most forward-thinking and innovative companies. True to the kiwi spirit, NZTE is a team of open-minded, collaborative problem solvers who ‘get it done’.

 

We offer a high-trust and purpose-driven culture with a unique opportunity to develop and access world class business networks and work with a talented, diverse, and international team where you will have the chance to participate in global projects to support your professional growth.

 

What you’ll be doing:

Drawing from your experience building sales teams, entering new markets and evaluating niche business opportunities, you will proactively coach and assist New Zealand Agritech exporters research the US market and ideal customers, develop and execute their business growth plans, and build key relationships and partnerships to be successful in the competitive US Agribusiness industry. Companies in your portfolio will range from SMBs to multinational, and their needs will range from scoping market opportunities, understanding US distribution models and ideal partnerships to meet customer goals, to expanding current sales and marketing efforts across the US. You will be involved with leadership and C-level management in activities such as strengthening their US team, identification of potential in-market partners, development of new channels, researching growth opportunities and expanding their product offerings.

 

This position reports to our Los Angeles office and the role may be based in either Los Angeles or Denver. For candidates based in Los Angeles, the position operates in a hybrid work environment, with an expectation of three days per week spent in our Santa Monica office or meeting with customers. For candidates based in Denver, the position will be considered fully remote with the expectation of visiting the Santa Monica office once each quarter. However, there may be a future in-office hybrid expectation in Denver as well as the needs of New Zealand businesses grow in the market. The role involves up to 20% domestic travel to meet with customers, attend tradeshows, and support other activities.

 

You will manage a portfolio of 13-18 companies across the agribusiness spectrum, with a focus on Animal Health, Dairy, and Livestock. Time management, organizational skills and a sound, broad understanding of agriculture in the USA are essential. You will work with New Zealand businesses and NZTE’s international teams frequently. As such, the ability to build relationships, trust, and credibility remotely is essential. Successful candidates in this position are curious about understanding company challenges and opportunities, and are proactive in identifying actionable ways to support success in the US market.

 

What you’ll need to be successful:  

You will have strong business development or consulting experience, be an independent thinker who has significant strategic and commercial experience in multiple positions over your career.  Building and nurturing relationships and networks comes naturally to you, and you will have well-developed listening, influencing and communication skills. You will understand the pressures within this long-horizon market and be able to articulate your technical understanding, helping customers to navigate complex channel relationships, manage uncertainty and pivot as routes to market evolve.  Your experience has seen you working across sales, marketing, operations and strategy with a key understanding of innovation, farmer voice, distribution models and supply chains.

 

Ideally you will bring:

• Proven experience working with Agritech or agribusiness companies to grow their sales within the US. Our ideal candidate has expertise in the animal health, dairy and/or livestock sectors.
• At least 15 years’ experience, across a variety of disciplines including sales, marketing, business development, exports, and account management.
• A good understanding and ability to interpret financial statements and customer data.
• A solid understanding of business models and how to build and grow a successful business in the US.
• A willingness to not only consult and advise, but to also 'roll your sleeves up' to do whatever it takes to solve problems and get things done for our customers.
• You will have a bias for action whilst still being a superb team player.
• A finger on the pulse for what is current and innovative and the ability to hustle to find information and build networks when you do not already have them.
• Curiosity to understand company challenges and opportunities.

• Experience with digital transformation and AI optimization a plus.

 

It would also be advantageous if you possess small business experience, an understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset, coaching experience; and/or international experience - either working for a US company in international markets, or supporting international business grow in the US.

 

Why you’ll love working here: 

NZTE offers a flexible, fun and stimulating environment with a unique opportunity to develop and access world class business networks and work with a talented, diverse, international team.  We are an organization that deeply cares for our team and support them with flexible working options, technology, development opportunities and wrap around support so that you can bring your whole self to work.

 

NZTE is an organization driven by purpose – we make things bigger, better and faster. Our environment encourages experimentation, constant learning, having brave conversations, intellectual challenge and absolute honesty. We keep promises and honor commitments. We celebrate the mana (strength and dignity) of each other as being equal to or greater than our own.

 

What’s next:  

Do you think you have what it takes? Then we want to hear from you. For further information please review the: position description here, and visit our website nzte.govt.nz.

This vacancy closes Wednesday 6 May 2026 11:59pm PST.

Applicants must have an existing authorization to work in the United States. Employment visa sponsorship is not available.

 

Note, this position is called Business Development Manager (BDM) Agritech internally.

 

Learn more about NZTE culture here

 

Please note that salary range for this position is influenced by the specific metropolis of the applicant (between Los Angeles and Denver) and can be provided upon request.  An indicative compensation range for the position is USD $150,000 - $170,000 salary, via a total remuneration approach - meaning the range shown includes the value of a platinum health insurance plan. If a candidate does not wish to enroll in the company’s plan, the value of the plan can be taken as cash compensation in lieu.

 

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 Partner.