New Zealand’s economy is diverse and steadily expanding, offering significant opportunities in sales and operations across industries such as technology, agriculture, retail, and services.
The country is globally recognized for its healthy work-life balance, allowing professionals in sales and operations to pursue rewarding careers without sacrificing personal time.
Sales and operations roles in New Zealand provide exposure to international markets, innovative business practices, and opportunities for career advancement.
The workplace culture emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and relationship building, making it easier to thrive in customer-focused and operational roles.
New Zealand’s strong economic policies, transparent business environment, and supportive government initiatives create a secure foundation for long-term career growth in sales and operations.
New Zealand offers a forward-thinking and innovative business landscape, providing international candidates the chance to contribute fresh ideas in creative sales and operations.
Working in New Zealand connects professionals to the wider Asia-Pacific region, opening opportunities to collaborate with global partners and expand cross-border sales strategies.
The country values multiculturalism, making it easier for international candidates to adapt, share their unique perspectives, and thrive in collaborative work environments.
Sales and operations in New Zealand often encourage innovative solutions and flexibility, allowing professionals to design unique customer experiences and efficient operational models.
New Zealand provides clear visa and residency options for skilled professionals, giving international candidates the confidence to build long-term careers in sales and operations.
Focuses on managing store performance, customer service, merchandising, and sales growth within retail chains, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms.
Involves building relationships with corporate clients, managing supply contracts, and streamlining operational processes between businesses.
Key to New Zealand’s global trade, these roles handle logistics, distribution, and compliance for exports such as dairy, meat, wine, and technology products.
Centred on software, digital platforms, and tech solutions, these positions combine customer acquisition strategies with operational support for fast-scaling companies.
Vital in New Zealand’s economy, these roles cover agricultural equipment, farming products, and supply chain management within the primary sector.
Focuses on managing imports, exports, warehousing, transportation, and distribution to ensure efficiency across New Zealand and international markets.
Specializes in customer experience, bookings, packages, and operational efficiency within New Zealand’s world-renowned travel and tourism industry.
Job Profile |
Average Salary (NZD) |
USD (approx.) |
INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sales Executive |
60,000 |
36,000 |
3,000,000 |
|
Business Development Manager |
95,000 |
57,000 |
4,750,000 |
|
Key Account Manager |
90,000 |
54,000 |
4,500,000 |
|
Territory Sales Manager |
85,000 |
51,000 |
4,250,000 |
|
Regional Sales Manager |
110,000 |
66,000 |
5,500,000 |
|
National Sales Manager |
135,000 |
81,000 |
6,750,000 |
|
Sales Director |
160,000 |
96,000 |
8,000,000 |
|
Operations Coordinator |
65,000 |
39,000 |
3,250,000 |
|
Operations Manager |
110,000 |
66,000 |
5,500,000 |
|
Senior Operations Manager |
130,000 |
78,000 |
6,500,000 |
|
Supply Chain Analyst |
75,000 |
45,000 |
3,750,000 |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
115,000 |
69,000 |
5,750,000 |
|
Logistics Coordinator |
60,000 |
36,000 |
3,000,000 |
|
Logistics Manager |
105,000 |
63,000 |
5,250,000 |
|
Export/Import Manager |
95,000 |
57,000 |
4,750,000 |
|
Procurement Manager |
120,000 |
72,000 |
6,000,000 |
|
Retail Operations Manager |
90,000 |
54,000 |
4,500,000 |
|
E-commerce Operations Manager |
100,000 |
60,000 |
5,000,000 |
|
Customer Success Manager (SaaS) |
95,000 |
57,000 |
4,750,000 |
|
Head of Sales & Operations |
150,000 |
90,000 |
7,500,000 |
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, sales, marketing, supply chain management, or a related field is usually preferred. Senior roles may require postgraduate study (MBA or equivalent) along with proven industry experience.
Most employers seek at least 2–5 years of relevant experience in sales, operations, supply chain, or business development. Senior management positions may require 8–10+ years with leadership achievements.
Key skills include strong communication, negotiation, CRM/software proficiency, analytical thinking, and knowledge of sales processes or operational workflows. Experience with global markets is an advantage.
International candidates must hold a valid work visa or residency. Common pathways include:
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – for roles offered by accredited New Zealand employers.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa – for professionals meeting New Zealand’s points-based system.
Post-Study Work Visa – for graduates of recognized New Zealand institutions.
English is the business language in New Zealand. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. For some visas, proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) may be required.
Employers value professionals who can adapt to New Zealand’s collaborative work culture, emphasize teamwork, and build long-term client relationships.
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Sales Executive |
Generate leads, meet sales targets, maintain customer relationships. |
|
Business Development Manager |
Identify new markets, negotiate deals, and expand business opportunities. |
|
Key Account Manager |
Manage major client accounts, ensure satisfaction, and grow revenue. |
|
Territory Sales Manager |
Oversee sales in a geographic area, build distributor/retailer networks. |
|
Regional Sales Manager |
Lead sales teams across regions, set targets, and monitor performance. |
|
National Sales Manager |
Develop nationwide sales strategies, manage large sales teams, and report to directors. |
|
Sales Director |
Define overall sales vision, manage budgets, and align with company goals. |
|
Operations Coordinator |
Support day-to-day operations, scheduling, and process documentation. |
|
Operations Manager |
Oversee workflows, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with company policies. |
|
Senior Operations Manager |
Lead multiple operational teams, manage KPIs, and implement process improvements. |
|
Supply Chain Analyst |
Analyze supply chain data, forecast demand, and optimize inventory. |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
Manage procurement, logistics, and vendor relations to ensure smooth supply flow. |
|
Logistics Coordinator |
Handle shipment schedules, documentation, and track deliveries. |
|
Logistics Manager |
Supervise transportation, warehousing, and distribution efficiency. |
|
Export/Import Manager |
Manage customs compliance, shipping documentation, and international trade processes. |
|
Procurement Manager |
Source suppliers, negotiate contracts, and control purchasing budgets. |
|
Retail Operations Manager |
Supervise retail outlets, manage staff, and enhance customer experiences. |
|
E-commerce Operations Manager |
Manage online sales platforms, order fulfillment, and digital operations. |
|
Customer Success Manager (SaaS) |
Support software clients, ensure adoption, and reduce churn through relationship management. |
|
Head of Sales & Operations |
Oversee combined sales and operational functions, align strategies, and drive growth. |
Job Profile |
General Eligibility (Qualifications, Skills, Experience) |
|---|---|
|
Sales Executive |
Bachelor’s degree preferred; 1–2 years sales experience; strong communication skills. |
|
Business Development Manager |
Bachelor’s in business/marketing; 3–5 years sales experience; proven track record in client acquisition. |
|
Key Account Manager |
Degree in business or related field; 3–5 years managing key clients; negotiation & CRM expertise. |
|
Territory Sales Manager |
Bachelor’s degree; 3+ years sales in a specific region; ability to travel extensively. |
|
Regional Sales Manager |
Business/management degree; 5+ years in sales leadership; team management skills. |
|
National Sales Manager |
Bachelor’s/MBA preferred; 7–10 years sales experience; expertise in national strategy. |
|
Sales Director |
MBA/advanced degree desirable; 10+ years leadership; strategic sales planning expertise. |
|
Operations Coordinator |
Diploma/degree in business administration; 1–2 years in operations support; organizational skills. |
|
Operations Manager |
Bachelor’s degree; 5+ years operations experience; knowledge of workflow & compliance. |
|
Senior Operations Manager |
Degree/MBA preferred; 8–10 years in operations; strong leadership & analytical ability. |
|
Supply Chain Analyst |
Degree in supply chain/logistics; analytical skills; 1–3 years experience with ERP tools. |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
Bachelor’s/master’s in supply chain; 5–7 years experience; vendor management & forecasting. |
|
Logistics Coordinator |
Diploma/degree in logistics; 1–3 years in shipping/transport; documentation skills. |
|
Logistics Manager |
Bachelor’s in logistics; 5+ years experience; knowledge of warehousing & distribution. |
|
Export/Import Manager |
Degree in international business; 3–5 years trade compliance experience; customs knowledge. |
|
Procurement Manager |
Bachelor’s in supply chain/commerce; 5+ years procurement; negotiation & supplier relations. |
|
Retail Operations Manager |
Degree in retail/business; 3–5 years retail experience; staff & store management. |
|
E-commerce Operations Manager |
Bachelor’s in e-commerce/IT/business; 3+ years online operations; digital tools knowledge. |
|
Customer Success Manager (SaaS) |
Degree in IT/business; 2–4 years SaaS/tech support; customer relationship expertise. |
|
Head of Sales & Operations |
MBA or master’s preferred; 10–15 years in leadership; expertise in aligning sales & operations. |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Sales Executive |
0–2 years in sales or customer service (entry-level). |
|
Business Development Manager |
3–5 years in sales/business development with proven results. |
|
Key Account Manager |
3–5 years managing major clients/accounts. |
|
Territory Sales Manager |
3–4 years in sales within a defined region. |
|
Regional Sales Manager |
5–7 years in sales with 2+ years in leadership. |
|
National Sales Manager |
7–10 years sales experience, including nationwide responsibility. |
|
Sales Director |
10–15 years in sales with senior leadership exposure. |
|
Operations Coordinator |
1–2 years in administration or operations support. |
|
Operations Manager |
5–7 years in operations management. |
|
Senior Operations Manager |
8–10 years in operations with leadership experience. |
|
Supply Chain Analyst |
1–3 years in supply chain/logistics analysis. |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
5–7 years in supply chain or procurement roles. |
|
Logistics Coordinator |
1–3 years in shipping, warehousing, or transport. |
|
Logistics Manager |
5–8 years in logistics, including supervisory roles. |
|
Export/Import Manager |
3–5 years in international trade or customs operations. |
|
Procurement Manager |
5–7 years in purchasing, sourcing, or vendor management. |
|
Retail Operations Manager |
3–5 years in retail management and store operations. |
|
E-commerce Operations Manager |
3–5 years in e-commerce operations or digital retail. |
|
Customer Success Manager (SaaS) |
2–4 years in SaaS/customer support roles. |
|
Head of Sales & Operations |
12–15 years in sales/operations with strong leadership background. |
Company Name |
Industry |
Typical Roles Hired |
|---|---|---|
|
Fonterra |
Dairy & Agribusiness |
Supply Chain Manager, Export Manager, Operations Manager |
|
Zespri International |
Horticulture (Kiwifruit) |
Sales Executive, Export Operations, Logistics Manager |
|
Fletcher Building |
Construction & Building |
Procurement Manager, Sales Manager, Operations Manager |
|
The Warehouse Group |
Retail & E-commerce |
Retail Operations Manager, E-commerce Manager, Category Manager |
|
Foodstuffs (NZ) |
Supermarket & Retail |
Supply Chain Analyst, Sales Executive, Operations Coordinator |
|
Countdown (Woolworths NZ) |
Retail & FMCG |
Regional Sales Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Operations Manager |
|
Mainfreight |
Logistics & Supply Chain |
Logistics Manager, Export/Import Manager, Supply Chain Analyst |
|
Silver Fern Farms |
Meat Processing & Exports |
Export Sales Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Planner |
|
Air New Zealand |
Aviation & Tourism |
Sales Executive, Customer Success Manager, Operations Coordinator |
|
Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) |
Tourism & Hospitality |
Regional Sales Manager, Operations Manager, Customer Experience Manager |
|
Lion Breweries |
FMCG & Beverage |
Key Account Manager, Sales Executive, Territory Sales Manager |
|
Fisher & Paykel Appliances |
Manufacturing & Consumer Goods |
Sales Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Supply Chain Manager |
|
Datacom |
IT & Technology Services |
Customer Success Manager, Operations Manager, Business Development Manager |
|
Xero |
SaaS & Fintech |
Customer Success Manager, Sales Executive, Operations Analyst |
|
Deloitte NZ |
Consulting & Advisory |
Business Development Manager, Operations Consultant, Sales Manager |
|
PwC New Zealand |
Consulting & Advisory |
Sales & Operations Consultant, Business Development Executive |
|
ANZ Bank |
Banking & Financial Services |
Relationship Manager, Sales Manager, Operations Specialist |
|
ASB Bank |
Financial Services |
Sales Executive, Business Development Manager, Operations Analyst |
|
Sanford Limited |
Seafood & Exports |
Export Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Coordinator |
|
Frucor Suntory |
FMCG & Beverages |
Sales Executive, Territory Manager, Key Account Manager |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (NZD) |
General Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sales Executive |
60,000 |
Bachelor’s preferred; 0–2 yrs experience |
Generate leads, meet sales targets, maintain customer relationships |
Lion, Frucor Suntory, Foodstuffs |
|
Business Development Manager |
95,000 |
Bachelor’s in business/marketing; 3–5 yrs experience |
Identify new markets, negotiate deals, expand client base |
Deloitte, PwC, Datacom |
|
Key Account Manager |
90,000 |
Bachelor’s; 3–5 yrs in account management |
Manage major clients, grow revenue, ensure client satisfaction |
Fonterra, Lion, Fisher & Paykel |
|
Territory Sales Manager |
85,000 |
Degree; 3+ yrs sales in a region |
Oversee sales in territory, manage distributors/retailers |
Frucor Suntory, Zespri, The Warehouse Group |
|
Regional Sales Manager |
110,000 |
Degree; 5–7 yrs sales, 2+ yrs leadership |
Lead regional sales team, set targets, monitor performance |
Countdown, Air NZ, Fletcher Building |
|
National Sales Manager |
135,000 |
MBA preferred; 7–10 yrs experience |
Develop nationwide sales strategy, manage large teams |
The Warehouse Group, Fonterra, Mainfreight |
|
Sales Director |
160,000 |
MBA/advanced degree; 10+ yrs leadership |
Define sales vision, manage budgets, drive revenue growth |
Fletcher Building, Deloitte, Lion |
|
Operations Coordinator |
65,000 |
Diploma/degree; 1–2 yrs admin/ops support |
Assist daily operations, scheduling, reporting |
Foodstuffs, Countdown, Fisher & Paykel |
|
Operations Manager |
110,000 |
Degree; 5–7 yrs in operations |
Oversee operations, improve efficiency, manage compliance |
Mainfreight, Silver Fern Farms, Tourism Holdings |
|
Senior Operations Manager |
130,000 |
Degree/MBA; 8–10 yrs experience |
Lead multiple teams, set KPIs, process improvement |
Fonterra, Fletcher Building, Deloitte |
|
Supply Chain Analyst |
75,000 |
Degree in supply chain; 1–3 yrs experience |
Analyze data, forecast demand, optimize inventory |
Zespri, Fisher & Paykel, Foodstuffs |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
115,000 |
Bachelor’s/master’s; 5–7 yrs experience |
Manage procurement, logistics, vendor relations |
Fonterra, Mainfreight, Sanford |
|
Logistics Coordinator |
60,000 |
Diploma/degree; 1–3 yrs logistics |
Manage shipments, documentation, scheduling |
Mainfreight, Foodstuffs, Countdown |
|
Logistics Manager |
105,000 |
Degree; 5–8 yrs experience |
Oversee transportation, warehousing, distribution |
Mainfreight, Fletcher Building, Sanford |
|
Export/Import Manager |
95,000 |
Degree in trade; 3–5 yrs in exports/imports |
Handle customs compliance, trade documentation |
Zespri, Silver Fern Farms, Sanford |
|
Procurement Manager |
120,000 |
Bachelor’s in supply chain; 5+ yrs procurement |
Source suppliers, negotiate contracts, manage budgets |
Fletcher Building, Fonterra, Frucor Suntory |
|
Retail Operations Manager |
90,000 |
Degree in retail/business; 3–5 yrs experience |
Supervise stores, manage staff, improve operations |
The Warehouse Group, Countdown, Foodstuffs |
|
E-commerce Operations Manager |
100,000 |
Bachelor’s in e-commerce/IT/business; 3–5 yrs |
Manage online sales, fulfillment, digital tools |
The Warehouse Group, Xero, Datacom |
|
Customer Success Manager (SaaS) |
95,000 |
Degree in IT/business; 2–4 yrs SaaS/tech support |
Ensure software adoption, client success, reduce churn |
Xero, Datacom, Deloitte |
|
Head of Sales & Operations |
150,000 |
MBA/master’s; 12–15 yrs leadership |
Oversee sales & operations, align strategies, drive growth |
Fonterra, Fletcher Building, Deloitte |
Visa Type |
Eligibility for Sales & Operations Roles |
Validity |
Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
Job offer from an accredited NZ employer in a skilled role; relevant qualifications/experience. |
Up to 3 years (renewable) |
Most common pathway; many Sales & Operations jobs are listed as eligible if salary meets threshold. |
|
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa |
Skilled work experience, qualifications, and job offer; points-based system. |
Permanent (after approval) |
Suitable for experienced professionals (e.g., Managers, Directors, Analysts) seeking long-term settlement. |
|
Essential Skills Work Visa (replaced by AEWV) |
Previously used; now phased out and replaced by AEWV. |
— |
Applicants should now apply under AEWV. |
|
Post-Study Work Visa |
Completion of a recognized qualification in NZ (Level 7 or above). |
1–3 years |
Allows graduates to work in Sales & Operations roles without employer sponsorship. |
|
Straight to Residence Visa |
Job offer in Tier 1 Green List occupations; mainly for specialized high-demand roles. |
Immediate residence |
Not common for most sales roles, but possible for senior operations/supply chain if on Green List. |
|
Work to Residence Visa |
Job with accredited employer in roles leading to residency after 2 years. |
Up to 3 years (path to residence) |
Good for mid- to senior-level Sales & Operations professionals. |
|
Partnership-Based Work Visa |
Partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident. |
Varies |
Can be used to work in Sales & Operations without needing job-specific sponsorship. |
|
Working Holiday Visa |
For young professionals (usually aged 18–30/35 depending on country). |
12 months (23 months for some countries) |
Allows casual or temporary work; useful for gaining entry-level experience. |
|
Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa |
High-skilled job offer from accredited employer; being replaced by AEWV. |
Up to 30 months |
Legacy option, but most new applicants go through AEWV. |
