Business Development Manager – China Market

Hero International Trading Limited is a New Zealand-based seafood exporter specializing in premium Greenshell mussels and other seafood products. With a strong reputation for quality and sustainability, we supply chilled and frozen seafood to international markets.

As we enter a new phase of growth, we are looking for a senior Business Development Manager to lead our China market expansion and substantially increase export revenue. This is a strategic leadership role, not an entry-level position. We need someone with deep industry experience, established commercial networks, and a proven track record of delivering significant revenue growth in the Chinese seafood market.

Position Summary

The Business Development Manager – China Market will be responsible for planning, organising, directing, and coordinating all sales and marketing activities targeting the Chinese market. The role requires a commercially astute professional who can develop and execute market entry strategies, build and maintain relationships with Chinese importers and distributors, and drive substantial growth in export revenue.

This is a high-impact role with direct accountability for revenue targets and market share growth. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in China’s aquatic products industry, a strong commercial network, and the ability to translate business objectives into disciplined execution across multiple channels.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Direct the development and implementation of sales strategies and set ambitious revenue targets to maximise sales and customer loyalty in the Chinese market.
• Direct the development and implementation of strategies to promote Hero International’s premium seafood products across China.
• Develop and execute annual business plans and budgets tailored specifically for the Chinese market.
• Identify new market opportunities, customer segments and business channels within China’s evolving seafood import landscape.

Sales & Commercial Management

• Lead and coordinate sales activities across China, setting product mix, geographical sales areas and customer service standards.
• Establish and maintain strong commercial relationships with Chinese importers, distributors, wholesalers, and foodservice clients.
• Negotiate commercial terms, manage key accounts, and drive contract execution from initial engagement to delivery.
• Monitor sales pipelines, conversion performance, and market feedback; recommend and implement strategies to improve sales outcomes.

Market Intelligence & Brand Development

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to assess industry trends, customer needs, pricing expectations and competitive positioning in the Chinese seafood sector.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen Hero International’s brand presence and reputation across existing and prospective Chinese clients.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Coordinate with internal operations, logistics, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless order fulfilment and customer satisfaction.
• Represent Hero International at industry events, trade shows, and business forums in China.

Qualifications & Experience

• A tertiary qualification in Business, Economics, International Trade, or a related field.
• Practical experience (5 years+) in business development, sales, or commercial management within China’s aquatic products, seafood, or broader food trading industry.
• Proven track record of delivering significant revenue growth in the Chinese market.
• Strong understanding of China’s food import regulations, customs requirements, and market access protocols.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional commercial acumen with the ability to think strategically and execute operationally.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written) is essential.
• Proficiency in English for internal reporting and coordination.
• Ability to work independently, lead initiatives, and drive results with minimal supervision.

Desirable

• Existing commercial network within China’s seafood import and distribution sector.
• Experience working with New Zealand or Australian seafood exporters.
• Understanding of supply chain and trade operations in the seafood industry.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role with direct accountability for China market performance.
• The opportunity to drive substantial growth for a well-established New Zealand seafood exporter.
• Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and performance.
• A pathway to contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s primary sector export growth.

If you are a proactive person and a great team player please send your CV and any support qualifications or work experience reference to ronnie@herointernational.co.nz

Applicants for this position should have NZ residence or a valid NZ work visa. Please also tell us your visa status when applying for this role.