Group Business Manager - Trade and Economic Group

Applications are now open for the role of Group Business Manager (GBM) within the Trade and Economic Group (TEG) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This position is a key member of the Group’s leadership team and reports directly to the Deputy Secretary.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

The Group Business Manager provides strategic leadership and expert guidance across business operations for the Trade and Economic Group. This includes oversight of business planning, financial management, HR processes, corporate services, and organisational support for the Deputy Secretary and Group leadership.

In this role, you will:

• Provide high‑quality business support across the Group, which includes four Divisions, one offshore Post, and the Auckland Office, along with staff who report directly to the Deputy Secretary.
• Lead and develop a team comprising five Team Administrators and one Coordinator.

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.

The appointing range for this role is between 127,417 to midpoint of $149,902 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Appointment within this range will depend on your level of experience.

Who are we looking for? Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? 

We're keen to hear from candidates who bring strong leadership capability and proven experience in business operations. Specifically, we’re looking for someone with:

• Demonstrated experience leading a corporate, administration, or business support function.
• Strong technical understanding of human resources, finance, and business management.
• Proven ability to coach, develop, and motivate others.
• The leadership presence and strategic mindset to influence, guide, and support senior leaders.
• The resilience, drive, and initiative required to contribute proactively to a high performing Group.
• Excellent relationship building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal teams, including with other Group Business Managers.

• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial. 

Why MFAT? - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

About us - Mō mātou

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world. 

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter. 

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Top Secret clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

If you have any questions, please email recruitment@mfat.govt.nz and we will get back to you.

Applications close at 9:00pm Tuesday 3 February 2026.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a specialist role based in central Wellington, NZ.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.