Will Martin, who is a member of the association's in-house legal team, has been appointed to the position, which will be in addition to his role as an employment lawyer.
Chief executive of the Otago Southland Employer's Association (OSEA), John Scandrett, said the new role was in response to growth in the range of activities offered to members by the association and commitments to Business New Zealand.
Mr Martin said part of his role would be visiting businesses throughout Otago and Southland to help the association with its advocacy role. He would also provide training and assistance through Business New Zealand programmes, ExportNZ and ManufacturingNZ.
These projects are designed to help companies thinking of scaling up manufacturing or starting exporting.
Mr Martin said advocacy was another key role, meeting businesses throughout the South to hear their problems and concerns so the association and Business New Zealand could advocate on their behalf.
