CEO, Research Commercialisation & Ventures

Auckland University of Technology; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

AUT Ventures exists to turn bold ideas, research and innovation into impact. As AUT's commercialisation and consulting company, it connects world-leading research, entrepreneurial talent, investors and industry partners to create ventures, technologies and solutions that address real-world challenges.

With a 20-year track record, a $5M Innovation Fund, and a growing portfolio of high-potential ventures and technologies, AUT Ventures plays a pivotal role in New Zealand's innovation ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership experience building high-performing, values-led teams.
• Significant experience in research commercialisation and IP management.
• Demonstrated success in venture creation, investment attraction and licensing.
• Strong relationship-building capability across NZ's research, industry, government and investment communities.
• Sound commercial, financial and operational acumen with growth leadership.
• Exceptional communication and strategic stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead AUT Ventures' strategic, commercial and operational performance.
• Inspire a high-performing team of 12 specialists.
• Develop pathways from discovery to impact through ventures and licensing.
• Build enduring partnerships with researchers, industry, investors.
• Ensure sustainable growth and value creation for AUT and AUT Ventures.

Skills

Executive leadership

Research commercialisation

Venture creation

Relationship building

Commercial acumen

Strategic stakeholder engagement

Job description

AUT Ventures exists to turn bold ideas, research and innovation into impact. As AUT's commercialisation and consulting company, it connects world-leading research, entrepreneurial talent, investors and industry partners to create ventures, technologies and solutions that address real-world challenges.

With a 20-year track record, a $5M Innovation Fund, and a growing portfolio of high-potential ventures and technologies, AUT Ventures plays a pivotal role in New Zealand's innovation ecosystem.