Business Development Lead

Auckland or Wellington

Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Join New Zealand Red Cross in a newly created role where your commercial expertise will help grow sustainable revenue and strengthen our ability to support people and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. This is an opportunity to help shape national business development activity, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to a humanitarian organisation that is here for good.

This position may be based in either Auckland or Wellington. 

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

In this role you will lead the development of new business opportunities and grow high-value national accounts across New Zealand Red Cross First Aid products and services. Reporting to the National Manager Business Development, you will identify and convert strategic sales opportunities, develop tailored account plans, and build trusted relationships with customers, industry partners, and internal teams.

You will play a key role in expanding our market reach, strengthening long-term partnerships, and supporting revenue growth that directly contributes to the work of New Zealand Red Cross and our mission to improve the lives of vulnerable people.

In this role you will: 

• Drive sustainable revenue growth by identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of national accounts and government customers, building strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers.
• Develop compelling proposals, presentations, and tender responses that clearly communicate value and convert opportunities into outcomes.
• Use customer insights, market trends, and commercial analysis to shape account plans and growth strategies.
• Work closely with the regional Technical Sales Consultants and internal teams to deliver integrated, customer-focused solutions.
• Represent New Zealand Red Cross at selected trade shows, industry events, and customer meetings to grow our profile and pipeline.
• Provide confident advice on first aid products and services, including AED solutions, to support informed customer decisions.

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

We are looking for a commercially astute, relationship-led business development professional who is motivated by purpose as well as performance. You will be confident working with senior stakeholders, skilled at uncovering customer needs, and able to translate technical information into clear, compelling solutions. You will bring energy, resilience, and a proactive approach to developing opportunities from first conversation through to close. Just as importantly, you will be someone who values collaboration and wants their work to contribute to meaningful outcomes for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

To be successful you will have: 

• Significant experience in business development, sales, at national account level, ideally across both products and services.
• Experience working with government agencies, including national tender responses and contract negotiations
• A proven track record of achieving or exceeding revenue, growth, and customer retention targets.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify opportunities, negotiate effectively, and protect long-term value.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, including the confidence to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience preparing proposals, presentations, tender responses, and other customer-facing commercial materials.
• Sound digital capability, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems, with disciplined pipeline and account management practices.
• The ability to travel regularly, including overnight travel, and a current full New Zealand driver licence.
• Experience in healthcare, medical devices, safety equipment, workplace health and safety, or another regulated commercial environment would be advantageous.

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 13,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.   

Why work with us? 

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.  

Our benefits include: 

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities 
• Annual flu vaccinations 
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance  

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Click below to download the job description and to apply for this position please click the 'Apply Now' button to be taken to the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page. If you are already viewing this via the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page, please click the active job description link below.  

Please submit your application online, as we’re unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume 

• Cover Letter 

• Passport 

• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 05:00 pm on 06/08/2026. 

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for further information, please contact Carol Gardiner at carol.gardiner@redcross.org.nz.   

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early. 

Click here for the Job Description