Defence Engagement Lead

JobSpace; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jora New Zealand seeks a Defence Engagement Lead to drive strategic growth and strengthen client relationships within the Defence Industry and Health/Public sector. You will lead account strategies, negotiate commercially, and deliver innovative client solutions that create value.

Success requires deep expertise in account management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration across Defence, H&PS, and government partners.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in account management and client relationship building.
• Experience managing strategic client relationships and delivering business growth outcomes.
• Experience leading stakeholder engagement and commercial discussions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships within Defence Industry clients as well as broader H&PS stakeholders.
• Act as a strategic advisor to client leadership teams, ensuring high levels of engagement and satisfaction.
• Build strong partnerships with emerging client leaders to support long-term account growth and retention.
• Develop and execute comprehensive account strategies aligned with business objectives and client priorities.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and solutions within existing accounts to drive profitable growth.
• Monitor client needs, industry trends, and market developments to inform strategic decision-making.
• Assist in complex commercial discussions and negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Support the development and execution of account plans, proposals, and business cases.
• Ensure commercial arrangements align with contractual, financial, and operational objectives.
• Collaborate with internal business partners and delivery teams to design and implement innovative client solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service offerings and customer value.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality outcomes that meet client expectations.
• Work closely with senior leaders, internal teams, and external partners to drive performance and business results.
• Influence key stakeholders through effective communication, strategic insight, and relationship management.
• Represent the organization in client meetings, industry forums, and business development activities as required.

Skills

Account management

Client relationship building

Strategic communications

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

The Defence Engagement Lead is responsible for driving strategic growth and strengthening client relationships within the Defence Industry and assisting across the broader Health and Public sector. This role focuses on expanding service offerings, developing long-term account strategies, leading commercial negotiations, and delivering innovative solutions that create value for clients. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor, fostering strong stakeholder relationships while identifying opportunities to grow and enhance business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships within the Defence Industry clients as well as broader H&PS stakeholders.
• Act as a strategic advisor to client leadership teams, ensuring high levels of engagement and satisfaction.
• Build strong partnerships with emerging client leaders to support long-term account growth and retention.
• Develop and execute comprehensive account strategies aligned with business objectives and client priorities.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and solutions within existing accounts to drive profitable growth.
• Monitor client needs, industry trends, and market developments to inform strategic decision-making.
• Assist in complex commercial discussions and negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Support the development and execution of account plans, proposals, and business cases.
• Ensure commercial arrangements align with contractual, financial, and operational objectives.
• Collaborate with internal business partners and delivery teams to design and implement innovative client solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service offerings and customer value.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality outcomes that meet client expectations.
• Work closely with senior leaders, internal teams, and external partners to drive performance and business results.
• Influence key stakeholders through effective communication, strategic insight, and relationship management.
• Represent the organization in client meetings, industry forums, and business development activities as required.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Commerce, Management, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.

Experience

Required

• Demonstrated expertise in account management and client relationship building.
• Experience managing strategic client relationships and delivering business growth outcomes.
• Experience leading stakeholder engagement and commercial discussions.

Preferred

• Experience working within the H&PS sector, government, or large enterprise environments in New Zealand.
• Proven track record of developing and executing account growth strategies.