Defence Tech Market Navigator: Accelerating Innovation

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover up to $300,000

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Mortgage guidance

Job summary

New Zealand Government seeks a Market Navigator for the Defence Technology Accelerator in Auckland. You will connect industry, researchers, investors, startups and technology providers with Defence opportunities and lead engagement activities to shape future Defence capability.

You will manage pipelines, coordinate challenge and open-call processes, and deliver market intelligence to inform decisions at senior levels. A strong focus on partnerships and commercialisation is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in technology, innovation, commercialisation, venture, research, business development, industry engagement, or related sectors.
• Experience managing pipelines, programmes, or initiatives and delivering results.
• Proven success identifying emerging technologies, partnerships, and growth opportunities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement experience across industry, government, or research sectors.
• Skilled in preparing briefings and recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• Strong commercial acumen and relationship-building capability.
• Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, advanced technologies, and commercialisation pathways.
• Excellent market intelligence, opportunity assessment, and analytical skills.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills and understanding of public sector frameworks.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in business, management, finance, law, policy, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional memberships, certifications, or industry accreditations are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Connect industry, researchers, investors, startups and technology providers with Defence opportunities.
• Lead engagement activities and manage opportunity pipelines.
• Coordinate challenge and open-call processes and provide market intelligence.
• Translate innovative ideas into real-world outcomes and inform capability decisions.

Skills

Pipeline management

Stakeholder engagement

Briefings for senior decisions

Commercial acumen

Market intelligence

Analytical skills

Public sector frameworks

Strategic communications

Industry-government partnerships

Relationship building

Education

Business/Management/Finance/Law/Policy/Public Administration degree

Job description

New Zealand Government seeks a Market Navigator for the Defence Technology Accelerator in Auckland. You will connect industry, researchers, investors, startups and technology providers with Defence opportunities and lead engagement activities to shape future Defence capability.

You will manage pipelines, coordinate challenge and open-call processes, and deliver market intelligence to inform decisions at senior levels. A strong focus on partnerships and commercialisation is essential.