Country Manager - Toys

Own the New Zealand P&L and test strategies that scale globally.

About ZURU

ZURU is on a mission to disrupt across industries, challenge the status quo and catalyst change through radical innovation and automation advances. This is in play in different pillars of the company: ZURU Toys are re-imagining what it means to play; ZURU Tech is shaping a better future by leading the next building revolution; ZURU Edge is pioneering new generation FMCG brands to better serve modern consumers.

Founded in 2003 by EY Entrepreneur of the Year and World Entrepreneur Hall of Fame brothers Nick and Mat Mowbray, ZURU has quickly grown to a team of over 5000 direct and indirect members across more than 30 international locations.

One of the largest toy companies in the world, globally recognised and award-winning brands include Bunch O Balloons, Mini Brands, XSHOT, Rainbocorns and Smashers. Our global FMCG brands include MONDAY Haircare, Rascals, NOOD, BONKERS, Gumi Yum Surprise, and more!

For more information, visit www.zuru.com .

Position Overview

As Country Manager – New Zealand, you will lead ZURU Toys' commercial performance in market, owning the full P&L and developing the strategies and tactics that take ZURU to the next level in New Zealand. You will build and lead relationships with retail, distributor and licensor partners, lead customer presentations and negotiations, and work closely with ZURU teams in China and New Zealand to ensure on-time, in-full execution. You will also lead ZURU Toys' Fast Start program – unique to New Zealand – which enables the business to scale and identify opportunities globally.

Position Impact

Drives growth in New Zealand through a clear market strategy, a stronger sales network and channel mix aligned to ZURU's broader business strategy, and full accountability for the market P&L and local pricing. Acts as a proving ground for the wider business – the New Zealand Fast Start program tests and scales initiatives that shape ZURU's opportunities globally. Provides Leadership with accurate forecasts, performance insights and win / learn / change learnings that inform planning, promotional investment and decision-making.

Roles & Responsibilities

Develop strategies and tactics to take ZURU to the next level in the New Zealand market

Lead the ZURU Toys Fast Start program, which is unique to New Zealand and enables us to scale and determine opportunities globally

Strengthen the sales network and channels in market, in line with the broader business strategies and expectations

Full P&L responsibility for the market, including pricing at the local market level

Establish and lead relationships with retail, distributor and licensor partners in the market – building trust and credibility

Lead sales presentations to customers, including product demonstrations, data analysis, and category / brand strategies

Lead negotiations with customers on terms, pricing, volumes and activations

Build promotional strategies and measure their effectiveness, reporting back to the business on win, learn, change

Lead and co-ordinate with Marketing and other partners within ZURU to implement marketing initiatives and campaigns

Establish sales and P&L objectives through monthly narratives, quarterly forecasting and yearly planning

Provide Leadership with accurate forecasts, updates and insights into performance and any factors influencing sales or demand profiles

Work weekly with our Sales Analysts in China to review retail sales performance and lead recommendations to customers / partners

Work with our Merchandising and Co-ordination teams in China on purchase order submission and delivery

Work directly with team members in China and New Zealand to secure shipment dates and plans, ensuring on-time, in-full execution in market

Collaborate with the Global Commercial, Brand and Marketing teams based in the New Zealand office

Skills & Experience

Proven experience in a senior sales, key account or country management role within toys, FMCG or consumer products

Demonstrated P&L ownership, including local pricing, forecasting and annual planning

Strong negotiation and presentation skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships with major retailers, distributors and licensors

Highly analytical – confident using sell-through and retail data to build category / brand strategies and customer recommendations

Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and collaborates effectively across time zones and cultures

LIFE@ZURU

ZURU is on a quest to reimagine tomorrow. Founded in 2003, ZURU Group has rapidly grown and now spans three core divisions—ZURU Toys, ZURU Edge (consumer goods) and ZURU Tech (construction).

At ZURU, we have cultivated a high-performing culture that encourages excellence. Our team works towards ambitious goals, learning, performing, and improving together, all while having fun. We empower talented individuals to do their best work every day.

At ZURU, you get out what you put in. You are responsible for driving your own career and we provide the platform to achieve it. As ZURU is on such a fast growth trajectory, there are opportunities here that you won’t find anywhere else.

Get to know us a little better by checking out @lifeatzuru on Instagram or www.zuru.com .

WHAT WE OFFER

🌱 Culture for Growth

🧘 Health Benefits

🌎 Global Opportunities

💡 Surrounded by an A Player Team

💰 Competitive Remuneration

🍓 Lots of fresh fruit, coffee, pals fridge and more (optional)

ZURU – Reimagining tomorrow 🚀

ZURU may use AI tools to help screen, assess or select applicants.