Market Navigator, Defence Technology Accelerator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes for Defence community

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force is seeking a Market Navigator to connect industry, researchers and government partners, identifying opportunities that deliver Defence capability advantages. You will lead external engagement and manage pipelines to translate innovations into real-world outcomes.

You will support strategic decision-making with insights on emerging technologies and commercialisation pathways, while working across defence, industry and academia to accelerate solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in technology, innovation, or related sectors.
• Proven ability to identify partnerships and growth opportunities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across industry, government, or research sectors.
• Experience managing pipelines, programmes, or initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement activities and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Manage opportunity pipelines and coordinate challenge/open-call processes.
• Provide market intelligence to inform Defence capability decisions.
• Translate emerging technologies into actionable opportunities.

Skills

Technology

Innovation

Commercialisation

Venture

Business development

Industry engagement

Stakeholder engagement

Market intelligence

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in business/management/finance/law/policy/public administration

Job description

Mo te tunga | About the roleAre you curious about the innovation, science and technology sector, and the organisations shaping New Zealand's innovation ecosystem?Do you enjoy exploring ideas, asking insightful questions and uncovering opportunities others may miss?Want to connect innovators, breakthrough technologies and Defence challenges to create real-world impact?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.As the Market Navigator, you will be at the heart of New Zealand's defence innovation ecosystem, connecting industry, researchers, investors, startups, and technology providers with opportunities to shape future Defence capability.As the first point of contact for external engagement, you will uncover promising technologies, build relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders, and help transform innovative ideas into real-world outcomes. You will lead engagement activities, manage opportunity pipelines, coordinate challenge and open-call processes, and provide valuable market intelligence that keeps Defence connected to the latest technological developments.This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of Defence, innovation, and technology, where your ability to connect people, identify opportunities, and foster partnerships will help accelerate solutions that deliver operational advantage for the New Zealand Defence Force.The salary for this role will be approximately $110,000 inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. This role is abased in Auckland Central.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and ExperienceTo be successful in this role, you will thrive on turning emerging technologies, industry connections, and smart insights into opportunities that deliver real impact.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.If you are shortlisted for an interview, please be prepared to talk to us about your projects and experiences.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youSafeguard 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.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApplications close on Monday 12 October 2026.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.Please Note:All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.Please Note:To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:Low Level Security ClearanceYou must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.