Country Manager (New Zealand)

David Kennedy Recruitment is working with an innovative global Customer Experience company currently looking to hire a Country Manager for New Zealand to join their growing international team.

Position: Country Manager

Location:Remote, New Zealand

Employment type: Full-time

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute strategic plans focused on brand building, customer acquisition, and market growth across New Zealand

• Lead and manage multi-channel marketing initiatives including TV, radio, sponsorships, print, out-of-home advertising, PR, digital marketing, affiliates, and CRM activities

• Adapt global brand strategies, campaigns, and messaging to align with the New Zealand market and local audience preferences

• Oversee performance-based marketing channels in collaboration with internal teams and external agencies

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local media agencies, creative partners, production agencies, and media owners

• Manage agency selection processes, commercial negotiations, and external partnerships

• Take ownership of annual marketing plans, budgets, targets, and overall market performance

• Develop local brand assets, creative campaigns, and communication strategies to strengthen market presence and customer engagement

• Analyse campaign performance, ROI, CPA, and acquisition metrics to optimise future marketing initiatives

• Ensure all marketing activities and communication channels comply with local gambling regulations and industry standards

• Act as the voice of the customer by identifying market opportunities, improving acquisition and retention strategies, and driving commercial performance across all channels.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior marketing or commercial leadership role within a high-volume transactional industry

• Minimum 3 years of experience within the B2C online gaming industry in New Zealand

• Proven track record of successfully launching brands and driving rapid business growth within the New Zealand market

• Strong understanding of the New Zealand advertising, media, and marketing landscape

• Experience managing relationships with media agencies, media owners, creative agencies, and production partners

• Hands-on experience managing significant above-the-line marketing budgets and end-to-end campaign delivery

• Strong expertise in campaign planning, forecasting, tracking, reporting, performance analysis, and optimisation

• Experience leading and developing teams, including recruitment, training, mentoring, and performance management

• Strong commercial awareness with a data-driven and results-oriented mindset

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills

• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively with cross-functional international teams

• Strong understanding of compliance requirements and responsible advertising practices within regulated industries.

OFFER:

• Opportunity to lead and shape a strategically important market within a rapidly growing international organisation

• High level of ownership and autonomy with the ability to make a direct business impact

• Exposure to large-scale brand development and acquisition marketing initiatives

• Collaborative and fast-paced international work environment

• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities

• Dynamic culture focused on innovation, growth, and performance excellence.