Trade Manager - NZ

Neptune Pacific is undergoing an exciting phase of transformation and growth. Established in 2020 through the acquisition of Pacific Direct Line, the business brought together two of the South Pacific’s leading shipping and logistics providers to deliver fully integrated supply chain solutions across the region.

Today, Neptune Pacific continues to strengthen its network and capabilities across the Pacific and beyond. The company is part of The Wonderful Company, headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The Wonderful Company’s portfolio includes globally recognised brands such as FIJI Water, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards, Wonderful Citrus, Wonderful Pistachios, Teleflora, POM Wonderful and Suterra.

We’re looking for a commercially astute shipping professional with a passion for trade strategy, pricing optimisation and building high-performing teams to join us as our new Trade Manager. In this role you will lead the commercial and operational strategy of our Liner Division, driving profitability, market growth and service excellence across the South Pacific.

• Looking for a leadership role where you will oversee day-to-day and long-term pricing decisions, manage trade budgets and monitor business performance?
• Want to contribute to initiatives that expand our markets?

Reporting closely with the General Manager, Liner Division, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering pricing, trade and vessel deployment strategies that maximise revenue, optimise capacity and improve EBITDA performance.

In this role you will also:

Commercial Strategy, Pricing & Revenue Growth

• Develop and implement pricing strategies that optimise yield, revenue and contribution margins while supporting volume, market share and customer retention objectives.
• Oversee pricing structures, tariffs, surcharges, contracts and tenders, ensuring commercial competitiveness, data accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Provide commercial guidance and analysis to support customer negotiations, strategic account management and profitable growth.
• Identify new trade routes, market opportunities and innovative strategies to strengthen Neptune's competitive position.

Trade & Network Optimisation

• Lead trade-by-trade reviews to optimise vessel utilisation, cargo mix, capacity and market share.
• Work closely with the GM, Liner Division, on vessel deployment, tactical scheduling and capacity management, including empty container repositioning.
• Negotiate slot purchases and manage third-party carrier capacity agreements.
• Monitor competitor activity, market trends and port throughput data to identify opportunities and inform strategic decisions.
• Oversee cargo demand forecasting, vessel utilisation reporting and deployment cost analysis to support effective operational and commercial planning.

Financial Performance & Reporting

• Develop trade budgets, forecasts and key performance indicators, monitoring actual performance against budget and identifying risks and opportunities.
• Analyse financial and operational data to identify opportunities to improve profitability, manage costs and enhance performance.
• Prepare and deliver regular performance reporting, including monthly and quarterly reviews, to support informed business decisions.
• Maintain visibility of the financial implications of vessel deployment, pricing and capacity decisions.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Build strong working relationships across Group Sales, Operations, Finance and the wider leadership team.
• Develop future leaders by providing clear direction, mentoring and meaningful development opportunities.
• Represent Neptune professionally at industry events and build strategic relationships with customers, suppliers, carriers and other key stakeholders.

You are an experienced shipping and trade management professional who understands the commercial, operational and financial drivers of a liner shipping business. Comfortable making complex decisions, you can balance customer expectations with commercial objectives, translating market insights into practical strategies that deliver results.

You will also bring:

• A bachelor's degree in Business or a related discipline, or equivalent senior-level experience.
• At least 10 years of demonstrable experience in shipping, senior trade management and leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of shipping and logistics across the South Pacific, including the region's markets, customers and competitive landscape.
• Proven experience in pricing strategy, commercial negotiations, trade optimisation, budgeting and financial performance management.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and present complex data using Excel, Power BI and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication, presentation, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative leadership style that empowers people, builds trust and drives high performance without micromanagement.
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining responsive to day-to-day commercial and operational demands.
• Cultural awareness and experience working across diverse teams and international markets, particularly throughout the Pacific Islands.
• Experience with CargoWise Level 2 certification or similar shipping ERP systems is desirable.
• Experience implementing or rolling out a shipping or logistics ERP system will be an advantage.

This role requires international travel and flexibility to support business requirements outside standard working hours, including occasional weekends and public holidays. A strong commitment to health, safety, quality, environmental responsibility and compliance is essential.

This is a permanent position based in Auckland. All applicants must have the right to live and work in New Zealand at the time of applying. The successful candidate may be subject to undergo a Police Check and/or Pre-Employment Drug Test.

Our Neptune Pacific Contribution:

• Competitive benefits package (salary plus bonus)
• Hybrid working model
• Opportunity for development and internal mobility
• Wonderful Giving - allowing you to donate company money to a cause of your choice.
• Wonderful Neighbour - spend a day in the community helping with various service projects.
• Company focused on wellness and health.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing and evolving organisation where continuous improvement is valued and supported. If you’re ready to help shape a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement, apply now!

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