Sales

As a Sales Executive / Account Manager/Export Sales Manager, you will manage relationships with key buyers, including supermarkets, wholesalers, exporters, and foodservice clients, and meet the needs of international customers.

You will drive sales growth, develop new markets, strengthen relationships with importers, distributors, and foodservice clients and ensure that product supply aligns with customer demand.

What you’ll do

Key tasks for these roles may include:

• Develop and implement domestic and international sales and export strategies to grow market share and revenue.

• Build, manage, and maintain strong relationships with key customers across markets, including distributors, wholesalers, foodservice operators, and new prospects.

• Negotiate sales and export contracts, pricing, and terms, ensuring profitability, compliance, and alignment with trade and regulatory requirements.

• Monitor sales and export performance, forecasts, and market trends, providing insights and recommendations to inform strategic decisions.

• Collaborate closely with production, supply chain, logistics, and regulatory teams to ensure product quality, availability, and compliance with customer and export requirements.

• Identify new market opportunities and provide feedback on competitor activity, customer needs, and emerging trends.

• Represent the organisation at trade shows, industry events, and customer meetings to build brand presence and generate business opportunities.

What we’re looking for

We value people who bring:

• Proven experience in sales, account management, or business development, ideally within food, seafood, or primary industries.

• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.

• Commercial awareness and understanding of domestic and international market dynamics.

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams to align supply and delivery with customer expectations.

• Self-motivation, resilience, and a results-driven mindset.

• Commercial awareness of international markets, trade regulations, and export compliance.

Build on your qualifications

A career in sales and account management can be supported by:

Bachelor’s degree in:

• Business, Commerce, Marketing, or related field

Alternative pathways include:

• Diploma in Sales, Export Management, Business, or Marketing (NZQA Level 5–6)

• On-the-job progression from customer service, sales support, account management or marketing roles

Valued skills in aquaculture:

• Knowledge of seafood products, production, and supply chain operations

• Understanding of food safety, biosecurity, and export requirements

• Familiarity with CRM and sales management systems

Where to from here?

Sales Executives and Account Managers can progress into senior roles such as:

• Export Sales Manager or International Business Development Manager

• Head of Sales and Marketing within aquaculture or related industries

• Director of Commercial or International Business Development

• Broader leadership positions in supply chain, marketing, or general management within aquaculture or related industries.