Commercial Specialist, Defence Technology Accelerator

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Defence Technology Accelerator (Def TA) is a newly established NZDF function that connects Defence with industry, academia and government partners to identify, assess and advance innovative technologies with military application.

Def TA helps accelerate the pathway from innovation to operational advantage, providing insights that inform future capability decisions while supporting the growth of New Zealand's defence innovation ecosystem.

Our Commercial Specialist will play a key role shaping, designing and implementing commercial arrangements that enable rapid experimentation, trials, competitions and co-development activities, while safeguarding NZDF's operational, financial and security interests.

You'll collaborate closely with Defence Commercial Services, Defence Legal Services, capability stakeholders and external partners to select the right commercial pathways and ensure each initiative is set up for success.

Providing trusted advice to the Director and Deputy Director Def TA, your key responsibilities include:

• Lead the design and delivery of commercial arrangements that support research, development and innovation activities across Def TA.
• Develop and implement fit-for-purpose commercial mechanisms for competitions, trials, prototypes and co-development initiatives.
• Provide expert commercial advice to senior leaders, supporting strategic decision-making and innovation outcomes.
• Partner with Defence Commercial Services, Defence Legal Services, capability teams and external stakeholders to deliver successful activities.
• Conduct proportionate commercial due diligence, ensuring risks are identified and managed appropriately.
• Establish clear milestones, decision gates and performance measures for innovation activities.
• Enable key activities to be delivered at pace while protecting NZDF's operational, financial, security and reputational interests.

This role is based in Auckland central and you will be required to travel on occasion to Wellington.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will bring significant commercial, procurement or contracting experience gained in complex technology, innovation, R&D, defence, national security, or similarly regulated environments.

You will have a proven ability to negotiate innovative commercial arrangements, balancing pace, risk and value while delivering strategic outcomes.

Key skills and experience include:

• Expertise in R&D, innovation, experimentation and co-development commercial models.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand public sector procurement, governance, probity and accountability requirements.
• Experience designing and delivering competitive, staged and agile commercial pathways, including trials, prototypes and co-development initiatives.
• Advanced contract management and negotiation skills, including intellectual property, data rights, confidentiality, security and commercial risk considerations.
• Strong commercial acumen, due diligence and supplier assessment capabilities.
• Ability to translate complex technical, operational, legal and financial issues into clear commercial recommendations.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills across government, industry and research sectors.
• Demonstrated judgement in ambiguous and fast-moving environments, with the confidence to make and recommend difficult decisions.
• Experience advising senior leaders on commercial strategy, risk, value for money and supplier approaches.
• Relevant qualifications in commerce, procurement, law, finance, engineering, technology commercialisation or a related discipline are desirable.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Thursday 8 October 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.