Partnerships & Innovation Manager

Uniservices | Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

UniServices is the University of Auckland’s research commercialisation and growth team. We sit at the intersection of research, innovation, and industry, with a mission to grow and commercialise the University’s vast footprint of research expertise.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

***Two roles available***

As a Partnerships & Innovation Manager, you'll drive the development of new research partnerships and funding opportunities across one of two important portfolios: Energy & Environmental Resilience OR Cancer & Precision Health. Working at the intersection of research, industry and government, you'll identify emerging opportunities, build strategic relationships, and help transform innovative ideas into externally funded projects with real-world impact.

This is a highly collaborative role that combines business development, stakeholder engagement and strategic relationship management. You'll work closely with academic leaders, Principal Investigators and external partners to grow a strong pipeline of opportunities, support researchers to secure funding, and contribute to the continued growth of research and innovation outcomes across the University.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building and managing strategic relationships with industry, government and international partners.
• Identifying market opportunities and connecting external needs with University research capability, expertise and facilities.
• Developing compelling value propositions and engagement strategies that lead to new partnerships and funded projects.
• Growing a pipeline of externally funded research opportunities and contributing to ambitious revenue growth targets.
• Supporting Principal Investigators and Early Career Researchers to strengthen industry engagement and secure funding.
• Working across faculties and disciplines to develop collaborative responses to complex challenges and funding opportunities.
• Providing market insights and sector intelligence to inform future growth areas and research investment priorities.

For more information, please see Position Description

This is a Permanent full-time role (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) with a competitive salary ($110,000 - $125,000) plus incentives and benefits, depending on experience.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Strategic Growth team drives growth and translation of research at the University of Auckland, actively supporting the University’s ambition to be a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

The Partnerships & Innovation Team, a key part of the Strategic Growth function, collaborates with the University of Auckland’s academic and research staff to identify, develop and scale research opportunities. This team works closely with government and industry partners to translate research into impactful outcomes, fostering connections between industry and academics, shaping a robust pipeline of ideas and opportunities, and aligning them with market needs and opportunities.  

He kōrero mōu | About You

You're a commercially minded relationship builder who thrives on connecting people, ideas and opportunities. Comfortable operating across complex stakeholder environments, you can quickly understand client needs, identify areas of mutual value, and bring the right people together to create impactful outcomes. Equally strategic and hands-on, you're motivated by building partnerships that lead to meaningful growth and real-world impact.

• Proven success in business development, partnership management, account management or a similar externally facing role.
• Experience building and maintaining senior stakeholder relationships across industry, government, research, professional services or related sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify opportunities, develop value propositions and progress opportunities through to successful outcomes.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the confidence to engage a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to navigate complex environments, connect diverse stakeholders and build consensus around shared goals.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple opportunities and priorities simultaneously.
• A proactive, resilient and self-motivated approach, with a track record of delivering results in fast-paced environments.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.

Experience working within research, innovation, higher education, government or consultancy environments, and an understanding of how externally funded research is developed and delivered, would be highly regarded.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth.

You’ll enjoy five weeks of annual leave and up to 6.75% employer contribution to our superannuation scheme. We provide eye-testing and glasses subsidies, along with access to discounts on health insurance and gym memberships.

Long-service recognition is part of our culture, and we’re proud to offer a supportive, culturally diverse workplace with a blended approach to office and home-based work. Flexible working arrangements are available, and we’re committed to your ongoing professional development so you can thrive in your role and beyond.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

Applications should be submitted on our website, before Friday 31st July, 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.  

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.