Team Leader Patents

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 118,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in New Zealand is seeking a Team Leader to manage a technical examination team in Wellington. The role involves setting team goals, overseeing challenging cases, and contributing to business improvement. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. A permanent position offering a salary of $118,390 – $143,639 plus benefits.

Benefits

Wellness benefits

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in leading and coaching teams within a regulatory system.
• Able to communicate effectively to stakeholders.
• Good judgment in complex situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to personal growth.
• Experience in strategic direction and business improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of examiners in the Patents (Science) and PVR team.
• Set goals for the team and devise strategies for success.
• Oversee difficult cases to minimize business risk.

Skills

Leadership skills

Effective communication

Judgment and prioritization

Problem-solving abilities

Commitment to personal growth

Contributing to strategic direction

Job description

Overview

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead and manage a team of examiners in the Patents (Science) and PVR team, in a rewarding and challenging environment
• Join a collaborative and results-driven TL and extended leadership team
• Flexible working options and opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career
• Permanent role with a Salary of $118.390 – $143,639 + wellness benefits and kiwisaver, location in Wellington or Christchurch

About the Role

Team Leaders are responsible for leading and managing a technical examination team. This vacancy reports to the Manager, Patents (Science) and PVR.

You will be accountable for setting your team's goals and devising strategies to ensure the team meets its output and quality objectives. You will be responsible for building your team's overall capability, including its resourcing and staff development. You will oversee the team’s difficult and contentious cases to minimise business risk, and ensure the best outcomes for applicants and the public interest.

As a member of the extended Leadership Team, you will work closely with existing TLs in the Patents, PVR and Designs teams. You will also be expected to contribute to the overall strategic direction, projects, and constant business improvement initiatives, and support the Managers to achieve the wider business objectives.

Skills and Experience Required

Skills and Experience Required

We are keen to hear from you if you have:

• Lead, motivated and coached others to achieve their goals and deliver high-quality results, preferably within IP or another regulatory system
• Effective communication skills to create connections with stakeholders and collaborate with peers to maintain consistency across IPONZ
• Good judgment, prioritisation and time management skills, with ability to make sound decisions in complex situations
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
• A strong commitment to personal growth and development
• Experience in contributing to strategic direction, projects and constant business improvement initiatives

About MBIE

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia– Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under TeTiritio Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to TeTiritio Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

How to Apply

Please note: click to view a position description, then send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role. All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Email: [e-mail], quoting ref MBIE/18403 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 17th of October 2025