Business Development and Partnership Manager - New Zealand Hospitality Market

About Placement International

Placement International is a leading global recruitment firm specializing in luxury hospitality, connecting skilled international students and professionals with premier hotels, resorts, and restaurants worldwide. Focused on fostering career growth and cultural exchange, the company is extending its global reach by cultivating strong partnerships within New Zealand's luxury tourism sector.

Role Overview

The Business Development & Partnership Manager for New Zealand will play a pivotal role in shaping and expanding Placement International’s presence in the region. The position centers on cultivating B2B relationships with high-end hospitality venues, including 4-5 star hotels and upscale lodges and restaurants, to secure exclusive placement agreements for international talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead efforts in identifying and securing new partnerships with premium hospitality providers across New Zealand through proactive outreach and persuasive presentations.
• Develop and manage a robust sales pipeline involving cold contacts, detailed proposals, and site visits.
• Represent the company at hospitality industry events, enhancing brand recognition and establishing networking opportunities.
• Maintain strong, ongoing relationships with host properties, ensuring loyalty and cyclical repeat engagements.
• Consult regularly with hotel leaders to forecast staffing needs and tailor solutions accordingly.
• Negotiate partnership contracts that align with hotels’ recruitment demands.
• Guide employers on compliance with student work rights, visas, and immigration rules to guarantee lawful placements.
• Match international hospitality candidates accurately to New Zealand opportunities based on their skills and aspirations.
• Create and customize training and placement frameworks that comply with local hospitality standards and visa requirements.
• Prepare candidates through coaching and mock interviews to ensure readiness for employer interactions.
• Manage CV screening and sustain active engagement with the talent pool targeting New Zealand roles.
• Plan and execute recruitment fairs and virtual events that connect elite hospitality brands with qualified global candidates.
• Collaborate with international offices to align efforts and share insights, enhancing global recruitment initiatives.
• Analyze market trends, labor shortages, and competitive positioning within the New Zealand hospitality sector to inform strategies.
• Utilize CRM systems to track partnership health, placement timelines, and provide transparent performance reporting to leadership.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• At least 3 to 4 years of experience in B2B business development, strategic account management or corporate partnership roles, preferably tied to luxury hospitality, tourism, or international recruitment.
• Well-versed in New Zealand’s hospitality industry, especially in regions such as Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua, and Wellington, along with an understanding of pertinent visa rules like Working Holiday and Student Visa conditions.
• Strong negotiation and presentation capabilities, with a history of successfully closing contracts and influencing senior executives.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills, able to explain complex offerings clearly.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills paired with enthusiasm for hospitality and cultural exchange programs.
• Self-driven and organized, able to work independently while managing deadlines and ambitious growth goals.
• Proficient with CRM tools and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting and operational tracking.

Benefits and Work Conditions

• This is a fully remote role with the expectation of regular travel across New Zealand to engage partners and attend industry functions.
• The position offers performance-linked targets focusing on business growth and partnership development.
• Joining an international, collaborative team that supports professional growth and career advancement.

Additional Information

This role provides a unique opportunity to pioneer a new market within a global company committed to innovation and excellence in hospitality recruitment. It suits a proactive individual ready for entrepreneurial challenges and eager to influence both local and global hospitality employment landscapes.