About The Bioeconomy Science Institute:
The Bioeconomy Science Institute is New Zealand’s newest Public Research Organisation (PRO) formed through the merger of AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, and Scion. The Bioeconomy Science Institute exists to power New Zealand’s transition to a circular, resilient, and prosperous bioeconomy. Through world-leading science, the Bioeconomy Science Institute drives innovation across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology, and manufacturing.
About the Role
As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Chief Commercialisation and Partnerships Officer plays a central role in shaping the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s commercial trajectory and amplifying its customer impact. This role will lead the development of and execution of customer engagement activities and play a central role driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and generating enterprise-wide value. You will shape a future-focused approach to customer experience, market development, and commercialisation that aligns with the Institute’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team to deliver exceptional customer and commercial outcomes.
- Build trusted, strategic relationships with key customers, commercial partners, government agencies, Iwi, Hapu and Māori Organisations, Start-Ups and Ventures, and wider stakeholders both nationally and internationally.
- Drive commercial strategies that maximise value from science and innovation.
- Partner with the Chief Executive Officer and Board to shape enterprise-wide strategy and growth opportunities, aligned with the Institute’s mission.
- Ensure robust governance, financial stewardship, and risk management across all commercial activities.
Background, Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate is a proven senior leader in customer and commercial strategy, with the ability to deliver impact at scale. They will bring credibility in building strategic partnerships, driving revenue growth, and creating value through innovation. A strong track record in leading teams and influencing at senior levels is essential.
- Proven ability to lead large-scale portfolios with significant revenue responsibility, driving transformation and long-term value creation.
- Extensive experience negotiating and managing complex commercial and government contracts, with strong knowledge of legal, regulatory, and risk frameworks.
- Understanding of the connection between science and customer outcomes.
- Demonstrated success in championing customer-led strategies, using insights, data, and digital platforms to shape products and services that enhance engagement and loyalty.
- Strong experience working in partnership with Māori, underpinned by an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori, and the ability to build trusted iwi and hapū relationships.
- Proven capability navigating international markets and integrating ESG principles into commercial decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Exceptional relationship-building skills with executive and board stakeholders, alongside a track record of developing talent, fostering inclusivity, and leading high-performance teams. This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to help lead one of the world’s largest publicly owned primary sector and environmental science institutions, positioning Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront of bioeconomy innovation, driving sustainable, inclusive, and digitally empowered outcomes for current and future generations.
Location: Preferred locations are: Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington or Lincoln
Full-time
Apply now via Seek https://www.seek.co.nz/job/86734744?ref=cm-ui or for more information please contact Lucinda Beamish at Hobson Leavy Executive Search: beamish@hobsonleavy.com
Applications close on 14 September 2025
