Plans, organises, directs, controls and reviews the day-to-day operations and major functions of a small business operation through subordinates. Note that there is no official definition of a small business in New Zealand but small businesses are defined by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as “enterprises with fewer than 20 employees”.

Provides strategic direction and management of a small business; oversees production or service delivery with the goal of achieving output and quality targets; assesses situations and responds accordingly by issuing requests and directives to subordinate staff; may develop policies and procedures; ensures policies and procedures are followed by all employees; takes responsibility for some or all of the administrative, accounting, sales, marketing, human resources and other specialist operations; may prepare, or arrange for the preparation of, reports, budgets and forecasts; communicates with owners/governing bodies; liaises with customers/clients to provide service, take orders or to problem-solve; manages the performance of staff; and conducts recruitment.

• Works indoors in offices and meeting rooms.
• Occasionally works outdoors when travelling to and visiting other worksites or other places.
• Frequently in adequately heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces.

• This role can vary according to the type of business but is typically sedentary to light work requiring frequent to constant sitting in offices or in meetings.
• Stands and walks occasionally to frequently.
• Lifting, carrying or pulling is not typically a significant requirement.
• Bending, squatting or crouching is not typically a significant requirement.
• There are occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements required when using pens, calculators, telephones, cellphones and computers.
• Occasional to frequent use of other office equipment such as printers and photocopiers.
• Driving may be required to get to other worksites or other places.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with communication, listening, computing, organisational, planning and decision-making capabilities.

A relevant tertiary qualification or at least five years applicable experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

There are typically opportunities for flexibility of movement.