Based in Penrose, our client is a leading New Zealand manufacturer of premium food ingredients and animal feed products, proudly supporting the food, beverage, specialty chemical, and agricultural sectors both locally and across global markets.

The Role:
With continued growth and strong international demand, they are now seeking a sharp, commercially savvy Business Development Manager / Trader to take ownership of their traded portfolio.

This is a hands-on, market-driven position for someone who thrives on the chase. Someone who enjoys spotting opportunities, turning insight into action, and driving profitable outcomes.

You will work across the intersection of sales, procurement, and logistics, buying and selling product to optimise margin, mitigate risk, and grow portfolio value. You will have the autonomy to think creatively, move fast, and shape strategy as you go, supported by a trusted, quality-led manufacturer with the capability to deliver.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive growth by buying and selling product to maximise gross margin across traded lines.

  • Hunt for new deals. Identify market gaps, create demand, and expand the traded product range.

  • Build strong trading relationships with domestic and international manufacturers, distributors, and processors (food, beverage, raw ingredients, animal feed and other associated products).

  • Develop sourcing and selling strategies that balance risk, reward, and profitability.

  • Analyse commodity markets, currency shifts, freight movements, and supply/demand trends to pinpoint opportunities.

  • Monitor price spreads between domestic production, imports, and alternative sources.

  • Negotiate supply contracts, delivery schedules, quality specifications, and payment terms.

  • Maintain accurate CRM data on customer activity.

  • Collaborate with logistics and warehousing teams to optimise inventory and delivery performance.

  • Track performance with robust data analysis and margin reporting.

  • Work closely with finance to ensure currency management, cash flow forecasting, and cost recovery are aligned.

  • Provide commercial insights to senior leadership on competitive positioning and trade trends.

Qualifications & Experience

  • 5–10 years’ experience in trading or business development, preferably in food ingredients, animal feed

  • Commercially sharp. Able to balance risk and reward across a portfolio.

  • Proven success in buying/selling to maximise margin and portfolio growth.

  • Strong analytical skills. Ability to model pricing, freight, and currency movements.

  • Solid negotiation and relationship-management record with both suppliers and customers

  • Works effectively with supply chain, operations, and finance.

  • Thrives in fast-paced trading environments and can pivot quickly.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, International Trade, or Supply Chain would be advantageous.

Why Apply?

  • Join a well-respected New Zealand manufacturer with a strong reputation and room to scale.

  • Competitive salary + uncapped commission

  • As well as

    • Medical insurance for you and your family (Children under 18)

    • Life insurance, 1-year annual salary payout 

    • GP Doctor medical cover

    • Super Annuation of total of 7.5% (includes compulsory kiwi saver)

 Ready for your next big opportunity?

Please click the "APPLY NOW" button or contact Lisa Baggaley at Kings Recruitment — 09 600 5155 or [email protected].

 Please note that only those shortlisted will be contacted and this will happen within one week of your application

Employer Request: “We prefer a video profile with your application - it helps us get to know you better and may increase your chances of being shortlisted.”

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