General Manager - Wine

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.

Next Steps?

To keep things simple, we ask that all applications are submitted through this advert. We’ll review applications as they come in and be in touch.

For any questions give Cameron King a call on 0220731320 and quote Job ID: 18380 for a confidential chat.

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.

At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying.  

Tribe is a group of specialist teams, each of who truly understand their world, and together they partner to understand yours. Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or recruiting, we’re all about bringing people together for a shared purpose. Find your people.