Market Navigator, Defence Technology Accelerator

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

Mō te tūnga | About the role

• Are 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.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

• 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.

Nōu 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.

Market Navigator, Defence Technology Accelerator Auckland, NZ, NZ