New Ventures Lead

Decipher Group; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Agnition is seeking a New Ventures Lead to uncover promising technologies and partnerships, assess their potential and drive strongest opportunities toward commercialisation. You will validate problems, test demand and build compelling business cases working with researchers, farmers and industry partners.

You will bring five years of experience across innovation and venture-building in engineering, science, technology or business, translating ideas into practical market-ready ventures.

Qualifications

• At least five years' experience across innovation, commercialisation, strategy consulting, product development, or venture-building.
• Background may be in engineering, science, technology or business; what matters is connecting potential with commercial reality.

Responsibilities

• Source emerging technologies and partnerships in New Zealand and globally.
• Validate problems, test customer demand and build robust business and investment cases.
• Collaborate with scientists, founders, farmers and partners to move opportunities toward commercialisation.
• Support portfolio companies to strengthen their go-to-market potential and commercial viability.

Skills

Entrepreneurial energy

Commercial discipline

Market research

Financial modeling

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Engineering background

Science background

Technology background

Business background

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Decipher Group - Christchurch, South Island

Find the opportunities others haven't seen

Turn smart ideas into commercial ventures

Help shape the future of New Zealand agriculture

• Find the opportunities others haven't seen
• Turn smart ideas into commercial ventures
• Help shape the future of New Zealand agriculture

Some people see an interesting idea. You see what it could become.

Agnition is looking for an entrepreneurial and commercially astute New Ventures Lead to uncover promising technologies and partnerships, assess their potential and lead the strongest opportunities towards commercialisation.

Naturally curious, action-oriented and energised by possibility, you will bring the commercial discipline to determine which ideas can genuinely deliver. Sound like you?

About Agnition

Agnition is the commercial innovation and venture investment arm of Ravensdown, one of New Zealand's leading farmer-owned co-operatives. It finds, builds and invests in high-potential opportunities that address real-world challenges across agriculture.

Backed by Ravensdown's scientific capability, industry expertise, extensive farmer network and commercial reach, Agnition can test promising technologies in real farming environments and accelerate their path to market.

Agnition's focus is clear: practical innovation that strengthens productivity, sustainability and long-term value for New Zealand's farmers and growers.

About the opportunity | Hunt. Test. Build.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will actively seek out emerging technologies, innovations and partnership opportunities from New Zealand and around the world, exploring their potential within New Zealand agriculture - particularly across soil health and nutrient management.

This is not a role where opportunities simply arrive on your desk. You will get into the market, build relationships and follow promising leads. You will validate the problem, test customer demand, assess commercial potential and build robust business and investment cases.

Working with scientists, founders, farmers and commercial partners, you will help move the strongest opportunities through validation and towards commercialisation. You will also support Agnition's portfolio companies to strengthen their commercial potential and go-to-market approach. Interested?

About you | Entrepreneurial energy. Commercial discipline.

You are an opportunity hunter who can spot potential, challenge assumptions and turn promising ideas into credible commercial propositions. You understand that a great idea only becomes a great venture when it solves a genuine customer problem and supports a viable business model.

To be successful, you will bring at least five years' experience across innovation, commercialisation, strategy consulting, product development, venture-building or a similarly commercial environment. Your background may be in engineering, science, technology or business; what matters is your ability to connect potential with commercial reality.

Confident researching markets, developing financial and business models and engaging with diverse stakeholders, you will combine energy and resourcefulness with sound judgement and commercial rigour. An understanding of agriculture would be valuable, but curiosity and a genuine appetite to immerse yourself in the sector are equally important.

Make your mark

This is a rare opportunity to help shape ventures that could materially influence the future of New Zealand agriculture. You will join an agile business with the capability, networks and ambition to take promising AgTech beyond the idea stage and into the field.

If you are ready to hunt down the next great opportunity – and build the case that brings it to life – we would love to hear from you.

Applications close: Monday 28th September 2026