Business Manager

What sets this role apart:

• Strategic partnership with executive leadership to build and deliver Business plan results
• Exposure to all business functions: finance, operations, and growth
• Opportunity to influence structure, culture, and global trajectory

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a pivotal leadership position, bridging strategy and operational delivery across two integrated divisions, equipment and chemicals. You’ll work closely with executive leadership to develop and implement a business plan that strengthens financial performance, enhances operational efficiency, and drives international expansion. Your responsibilities will span strategic planning, financial management, contract negotiation, and global export operations, providing the commercial and structural foundation for scalable, sustainable growth.

What you’ll be doing:

• Collaborate with leadership to design and implement the business and growth plan
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial performance metrics
• Negotiate supplier and client contracts, ensuring compliance and value creation
• Draft, review, and execute agreements with precision and consistency
• Oversee export operations, logistics, and international regulatory requirements
• Streamline work-flows across procurement, production, delivery, and after-sales
• Monitor ROI, cost efficiency, and delivery against strategic KPIs
• Foster collaboration and continuous improvement across all teams

Unique Perks:

• Influence strategic direction and see tangible results
• Operate within a global niche industry experiencing strong growth
• Competitive package with STI linked to EBITDA from year two

ABOUT YOU

You’re a commercially astute, hands-on business leader who thrives in dynamic, growth-oriented environments. You balance strategic thinking with operational focus and bring structure without unnecessary bureaucracy.

YOU BRING:

• Bachelor’s degree in either Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field (MBA a plus)
• Progressive leadership experience gained within either in manufacturing, industrial, or chemical sectors
• Proven experience in financial strategy, reporting, and cost control
• Strong contract negotiation and stakeholder management capability
• Operational understanding of export and manufacturing environments
• Advanced Excel and project-management proficiency
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills
• Flexibility to travel internationally as required

ABOUT THE COMPANY

We’re supporting an organisation that designs and exports bespoke machinery and chemical solutions for the wood-based panel industry. Known globally for innovation and quality, they’ve grown organically into a 100% export business and are now ready to scale further. Employees value the collaborative culture, technical excellence, and the chance to make a global impact.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply in the strictest confidence, please click Apply Below. If you’d prefer to have a confidential conversation first, feel free to contact Michelle Bullock, Managing Consultant on 022 4933 577. All applications will be dealt with the utmost discretion.

NOTE to overseas enquiries and non-NZ residents:
Whereas we welcome international enquiries, only applicants that are legally entitled to work in New Zealand and can make themselves available for interviews in New Zealand will be considered for advertised positions.

For other opportunities, visit: https://welovesalt.com/job-category/new-zealand/business-operations-hr-new-zealand

We’re proud to have been finalists for 2023 RCSA Awards in the Excellence in Client Service and Excellence in Candidate Care categories, and finalist for a 2023 SEEK Annual Recruitment Award in the Large Recruitment Agency of the Year category. At Salt, our mission is Creating Futures by putting our clients, candidates, partners, and team members at the heart of everything we do. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to our continued success.