Country Manager - Toys

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

About ZURU

ZURU is a reimagination company. We look for categories that have stood still, then we build next-generation products and brands that set the new standard. ZURU Toys is reimagining play. ZURU Edge is reinventing everyday consumer brands. Rhodes Pet Science is reimagining pet science. ZURU Tech is leading the next building revolution.

ZURU started in 2003 with two brothers from New Zealand, and we're still founder-owned and operated today. Since then we've become the world's second-biggest privately held toy company, and nearly half of all Gen Y and Gen Z households with kids in the US own a ZURU product. Today we're 5,000 people in 34 offices, selling into more than 150 markets, backed by over 100 acres of fully automated manufacturing. And we're only getting started.

Position Overview

As Country Manager – Toys, 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

Who thrives at ZURU

This isn't a 9-to-5. We move fast, think big and set goals most companies would call impossible, then go after them. The people who thrive here are entrepreneurs at heart. They own their work, chase bold ideas and never stop raising the bar.

At ZURU, you drive your career, and we give you the platform to take it as far as you can. There are opportunities here that you won’t find anywhere else, and you'll be surrounded by talented people who make things happen. We're a true meritocracy: we reward impact, not tenure.

How we work

Big ideas happen when great people work side by side, so we're office-first by design. Being together means faster collaboration, sharper decisions and stronger teams, and it's where the real learning happens. Some flexibility may be available depending on the role, location and business needs, but most roles are office-based.

Want to see what life at ZURU really looks like? Follow LIFE@ZURU on Instagram or www.zuru.com

ZURU – Reimagining tomorrow 🚀

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