Deputy Director: Defence Tech Innovation

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 165,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes

Mortgage guidance

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force seeks a Deputy Director for the Defence Technology Accelerator to provide strategic leadership and work with the Director to connect NZDF with industry, academia and government. You will lead a high-performing team, accelerate emerging technologies into real-world defence capability and shape the organisation's long-term impact within New Zealand's defence innovation landscape.

With deep expertise in industry engagement, innovation and commercial practice, you will

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience across technology, innovation, commercialisation, venture, research or related sectors.
• Deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, advanced technologies and adoption pathways.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and influence outcomes across industry, government and academia.
• Strong commercial acumen navigating public and private sectors.
• Track record of leading growth, transformation, or new ventures from concept to delivery.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication at executive level.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Def TA and NZDF engagement with industry, academia and government partners.
• Lead a high-performing team to accelerate emerging technologies into real-world defence capability.
• Shape Def TA's direction, operating model and long-term impact on New Zealand's defence innovation landscape.
• Forge trusted partnerships and influence senior stakeholders across sectors.
• Collaborate with the Director to connect NZDF with industry and the wider innovation ecosystem.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic partnerships

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Industry engagement

Innovation ecosystems

Executive advisory

Job description

New Zealand Defence Force seeks a Deputy Director for the Defence Technology Accelerator to provide strategic leadership and work with the Director to connect NZDF with industry, academia and government. You will lead a high-performing team, accelerate emerging technologies into real-world defence capability and shape the organisation's long-term impact within New Zealand's defence innovation landscape.

With deep expertise in industry engagement, innovation and commercial practice, you will