General Manager - Wine

TribeRecruit New Zealand; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Wakatū Incorporation, based in Blenheim, is seeking a senior commercial leader to take end-to-end accountability for the wine business—from vineyards and winemaking through to supply chain, sales and global distribution. You will lead a team of around 20 people and shape strategy to grow domestic and international markets.

The ideal candidate blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution, has senior experience in wine or export-led sectors, strong P&L ownership and a global network, and

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in wine, FMCG or export-led sectors.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L ownership.
• Track record of growing brands, markets and revenue.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional operations.
• Global mindset and international networks.
• Leadership to build high-performing teams and cultures.
• Curiosity and alignment with te ao Māori and Wakatū’s long-term view.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of around 20 and own end-to-end accountability for the wine business.
• Oversee wine production through to global distribution.
• Sharpen strategy and accelerate growth across markets.
• Foster brand development and value creation.

Skills

Senior leadership

Global mindset

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

About the Opportunity

Wakatū Incorporation is no ordinary commercial organisation. Successful, established and deeply connected to Te Tauihu, it takes an intergenerational view of business, guided by Te Pae Tawhiti, its 500-year plan. Kono Wine brings that ambition to life through Tohu and Kono, award winning brands grown from whenua with deep whakapapa connections and taken to markets around the world. As the world’s first Māori owned wine company, Kono brings together commercial ambition, kaitiakitanga and a genuinely distinctive sense of purpose.

Based in Te Tauihu (Blenheim), you will lead a team of around 20 and take end to end accountability for the wine business, from vineyards and winemaking through to supply chain, sales and global distribution. With established domestic and global distribution, there is significant opportunity to grow existing markets and diversify into new ones.

Build on this strong foundation to sharpen strategy, accelerate growth, strengthen the brands and create lasting value.

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for an accomplished commercial leader who combines strategic thinking with the ability to make things happen.

• Senior leadership experience in wine, FMCG or another export-led sector
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including P&L ownership
• A track record of growing brands, markets and revenue
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional operations
• A global mindset and strong international networks
• The leadership capability to build high performing teams and cultures
• Curiosity, humility and genuine alignment with te ao Māori, whakapapa and Wakatū’s long term view

What’s on Offer

Kono Wine sits at the intersection of people, place, purpose and global ambition. With genuine autonomy and scope to shape the future, this is more than an opportunity to lead a successful wine business, it is a chance to create lasting value within a unique kaupapa Māori organisation grounded in whakapapa, kaitiakitanga and a long-term commitment to its people and whenua.

To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.