Executive Director, Trade & International

Premier's Department NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Work-life balance benefits

Wellbeing support programs

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Premier's Department NSW is seeking an Executive Director, Trade & International within Investment NSW, Trade & International, to lead NSW's international trade agenda from Sydney and connect local businesses with global opportunities. You will drive cross-border market development, build high-value partnerships across government and industry, and guide strategic delivery to grow the state's economy.

Based in Martin Place, Sydney, with flexible working options and a negotiated remuneration

Qualifications

• International trade expertise: Extensive experience leading cross-border trade, export growth and international market development across complex global environments.
• Onshore and international leadership: Proven experience leading geographically dispersed teams, aligning people around a clear strategy and building a connected, high-performing team.
• Market and commercial insight: Strong knowledge of global market dynamics, with the ability to identify emerging opportunities and help businesses expand internationally.
• Influential partnerships: The credibility to represent NSW and build high-value relationships across government, industry and international networks.
• Strategic delivery: A track record of converting ambitious trade strategies into measurable outcomes while navigating political, commercial, governance and risk considerations.

Responsibilities

• We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Skills

International trade

Onshore/International leadership

Market insight

Partnership building

Strategic delivery

Job description

• Lead a high-profile international trade portfolio with the opportunity to shape NSW’s global economic growth.
• Bring your extensive cross-border trade experience and strategic leadership to represent NSW on the global stage.
• Ongoing, Senior Executive Band 2 opportunity based in Martin Place Sydney with flexible working options and competitive remuneration.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to join Investment NSW, Trade & International team leading NSW’s international trade agenda and strengthening the State’s position in an increasingly competitive global market. As Executive Director, Trade & International, connect NSW businesses with new opportunities, deepen relationships across priority markets and create pathways for sustainable economic growth.

Operating at the intersection of government, industry and global commerce, you will lead onshore and international teams around a clear and ambitious vision. Working with in-market teams across key global regions, you will draw on local insights, market expertise, and strategic connections. Your leadership will help NSW businesses expand into global markets, elevate the State’s global profile, and turn emerging market opportunities into lasting outcomes for the people and economy of NSW.

To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

We’re Looking For

• International trade expertise: Extensive experience leading cross-border trade, export growth and international market development across complex global environments.
• Onshore and international leadership: Proven experience leading geographically dispersed teams, aligning people around a clear strategy and building a connected, high-performing team.
• Market and commercial insight: Strong knowledge of global market dynamics, with the ability to identify emerging opportunities and help businesses expand internationally.
• Influential partnerships: The credibility to represent NSW and build high-value relationships across government, industry and international networks.
• Strategic delivery: A track record of converting ambitious trade strategies into measurable outcomes while navigating political, commercial, governance and risk considerations.

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
• Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked (for non-executive roles) based on a 35-hour standard week
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

Salary: Senior Executive Band 2. Total remuneration package will be negotiated upon offer.

Hiring Manager: Rebecca McPhee, Deputy Secretary Investment NSW

About the Premier's Department - Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government

The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier’s Department.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at [e-mail], or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.