Māori Innovation Partnerships Lead

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Auckland, with hybrid working, permanent and full time

To provide high level strategic, technical and analytical leadership for all external Partnerships within the Māori Business ecosystem

About the Role

In this role, you'll utilise your expertise and networks in Te Ao Māori together with your business acumen and relationship management  skills to drive commercial revenue and broker strategic partnerships across the Māori Economy eco-system. You'll influence key internal stakeholders and  identify mutually beneficial opportunities with external parties, while ensuring Māori interests and values are integrated into all partnership initiatives. You'll identify revenue opportunities and manage the sales pipeline to contribute to Callaghan Innovation's growth and Māori economic development goals, ensuring that Māori interests are considered in research, development, and commercialisation initiatives. 

In your daily role you will:

• Develop strong, trusting partnerships and relationships with Māori Businesses, Not for Profits, Corporates, Government, Iwi, Trusts, and Incorporations to advance Callaghan Innovation's goals for growing Māori innovation and delivering on  revenue generation targets
• Establish MoUs with strategic partners to outline expectations and deliverables, ensuring value for money and impact through diligent monitoring of partner-based programs
• Elevate the clarity and positive reputation of the Callaghan Innovation Brand and its value proposition within the Māori business ecosystem
• Foster authentic and productive partnerships founded on trust, integrity, delivery, and accountability, resulting in tangible value for Māori stakeholders
• Empower Māori businesses, corporations, iwi, and trusts to expedite the commercialisation of their ideas by engaging with Callaghan Innovation and its strategic partners.

About You

You possess strong entrepreneurial and cross-cultural communication skills, together with advocacy experience in promoting Māori business development. Additionally, you demonstrate strong collaboration skills to build partnerships with key stakeholders in the growth of the Māori economy. Your leadership qualities inspire teams and align innovation efforts with Māori priorities and values to support the effective delivery of Callaghan Innovation's Māori strategy.

Moreover, your capability in partnership building is instrumental in fostering strategic alliances and driving revenue generation initiatives. Through your adeptness in identifying and capitalizing on business opportunities, you play a pivotal role in expanding Callaghan Innovation's reach and impact within the Māori business ecosystem. You bring with you:  

• 5 plus years experience in a relevant senior position in a mid-large organisation
• Proven experience at building partnerships and influencing at senior levels in Government and/or the private sector. 
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent. 
• Proven commercial experience ideally operating or working for a Māori business, or in the wider ecosystem. 
• Extensive networks and strong understanding of Māori business interests. 
• Proven collaboration skills and experience in the management of multi-faceted, and multi stakeholder projects within the public sector 
• Culturally embedded in Te Reo me ōna tikanga. 
• Takes a holistic approach to managing relationships with Māori. 
• Political acumen - understanding the workings and functions of government and ability to engage confidently at senior levels 

Rukuhia te wāhi ngaro, hei maunga tātai whetū | Explore the unknown, reach for excellence

Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand's innovation agency. We activate innovation and help businesses grow faster for a better New Zealand. We partner with ambitious businesses of all sizes and we provide them with a range of innovation and research and development services to suit each stage of their growth. 

Our staff - including more than 200 of New Zealand's leading scientists and engineers - empower innovators by connecting people, opportunities and networks, and providing tailored technical solutions, skills and capability development programmes, as well as grants and co-funding.

To make a difference Tono ināianei | Apply Now to submit your application!

Applications close 5 May 2024

Please contact recruitment@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz if you have any questions

You must have the right to live and work in NZ to apply for this job.

Innovating for the future of Aotearoa requires a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects who we are, where we're going and what is possible. This is why our hiring decisions are based on more than just your qualifications or work experience - we look at the whole person and value diverse perspectives, abilities and life experience.