Deputy Director, Defence Technology Accelerator

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

Mō te ūŋnŋ | About the role

The Defence Technology Accelerator (Def TA) is a newly established NZDF function that connects Defence with industry, academia and government partners to identify, assess and advance innovative technologies with military application. Def TA helps accelerate the pathway from innovation to operational advantage, providing insights that inform future capability decisions while supporting the growth of New Zealand's defence innovation ecosystem. The Deputy Director role will provide strategic leadership and work alongside the Director to connect NZDF with industry, academia and government and the wider innovation ecosystem. You'll play a key role in accelerating emerging technologies into real-world defence capability, building trusted partnerships and strengthening NZDF's engagement with advanced technology providers. The team will turn bold ideas into real-world outcomes. Bringing deep expertise in industry engagement, innovation and commercial practice, you'll lead a high-performing team while driving collaboration, influence and delivery across sectors. This is a unique opportunity to help establish and evolve a new organisation, shaping its direction, operating model and long-term impact on New Zealand's defence innovation landscape. This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up. Come and be part of a once-in-a-career opportunity to help create and shape the Def TA. With a new team, new role and new ways of working, you'll have the chance to influence strategy, forge impactful partnerships and accelerate innovation that strengthens New Zealand's future defence capability.

The salary for this role will be around $180,000, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. The role will be based in Auckland Central.

Ngą pūkenga me ēʼn wheako | Skills and Experience

We're seeking an accomplished leader with a proven ability to bridge technology, innovation and strategic outcomes. You'll bring significant experience working across complex environments, with the credibility to engage senior leaders, industry partners, founders, researchers and investors alike.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive senior leadership experience, ideally within technology, innovation, commercialisation, venture, research or related sectors.
• Deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, advanced technologies and the pathways from concept to adoption and operational impact.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and influence outcomes across industry, government, academia and investment communities.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience navigating both public and private sector environments.
• Demonstrated success leading organisational growth, transformation, new ventures or emerging capabilities from concept through to delivery.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to provide trusted advice at executive and decision-making levels.
• A track record of translating complex challenges into practical solutions and measurable results.
• Well-established networks across New Zealand's innovation, technology, research or commercial sectors.

Ideally, you'll also have:

• Experience working with advanced or emerging technologies, technology commercialisation, venture-backed organisations or start-up environments.
• Knowledge of New Zealand's innovation, research and advanced technology landscape.
• Experience in defence, security, government innovation or related sectors, although this is not essential.

Nŋŋ te rourou | What's in it for you

• Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection.
• Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community.
• Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services.
• Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.