Defence Engagement Lead

Accenture New Zealand; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Career development program

Global opportunities

Diversity and inclusion

Job summary

Accenture New Zealand is seeking a Defence Engagement Lead to drive strategic growth, strengthen client relationships within the Defence Industry, and support across Health and Public sector. You will lead account strategies, negotiate commercial terms, and deliver innovative solutions that create value for clients.

The role requires building trusted relationships with Defence and H&PS stakeholders, developing long-term plans, and guiding cross-functional teams to expand service offerings.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in account management and client relationship building.
• Experience leading stakeholder engagement and commercial discussions.
• Experience working with Defence, HPS, government or large enterprises is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships within Defence Industry clients and broader H&PS stakeholders.
• Develop and execute comprehensive account strategies aligned with business objectives and client priorities.
• Assistance in complex commercial discussions and negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal partners to design and implement innovative client solutions.
• Influence key stakeholders through effective communication and relationship management.

Skills

Account management

Client relationship building

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial negotiations

Strategic advisory

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Commerce, Management, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field

Job description

About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Find out more about us at www.accenture.com.

Defence Engagement Lead

Role Purpose

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

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

• 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.

Account Strategy & Growth

• 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.

Commercial Leadership

• 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.

Solution Development & Innovation

• 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.

Stakeholder Management

• 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.

Benefits of working at Accenture

• 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Long & short-term career break opportunities
• Structured career development program
• Local and international career opportunities.
• Certified as a Family Inclusive Workplace™
• Flexible Work Arrangements - centered around Accenture’s Truly Human ethos and our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our people.
• We are proud to be in the top 3 of last year’s Diversity & Inclusion Index!

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