Principal Advisor RDTI Operations Lead

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Steward a major programme boosting the level of business investment in research and development in New Zealand – the Research and Development Tax Incentive.  
• Bring your excellent organisational and relationship skills to support this cross-agency work programme, engaging with operational and policy leads.  
• Be part of a new, dynamic branch at the interface of science and business.
• Fixed-Term/Secondment to 30/06/2026 I Full time I Wellington or Auckland.
• Salary: $132,417 - $160,472 p.a. plus Kiwisaver and Wellness Benefits. 

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We are looking for a Principal Advisor to join the Innovation Policy Team as our Operations Lead for the Research and Development Tax Incentive. 

The Operations Lead is a key role providing an important interface between MBIE and colleagues in Inland Revenue and Callaghan Innovation. You will support excellent operational management of the scheme, provide reporting and secretariat support to the RDTI Steering Group, and work collaboratively across agencies to ensure the alignment and focus on the policy aims for the programme. 

You will be part of a wider team that is passionate about enabling world class scientists and researchers, innovative businesses and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into commercial success with positive impacts to New Zealand. 

The Innovation Policy team provides advice on policies related to: 

• Business research and development, including the Research and Development Tax Incentive, grants and other financial support initiatives to lift innovation and commercialisation (e.g. Technology Incubator Programme).
• Callaghan Innovation and institutional arrangements to deliver innovation support.
• Gaps and opportunities to strengthen New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem. 
  

You will be part of the Technology and Innovation Branch, together providing advice and implementing initiatives across aimed at enabling growth of new businesses and emerging sectors that will shape New Zealand’s future economic performance. You will also work closely with science policy, science investments, and economic development teams, as well as engaging with our delivery partners, including Callaghan Innovation, Crown Research Institutes, businesses, investors, and universities among others. 

In working with us, you will: 

• Lead collaboration and alignment across agencies to support the effective delivery of the RDTI.
• Build and maintain relationships with our wide array of stakeholders across businesses, universities, tax advisors, and government (among others).
• Work hard, though ensure balance and a good dose of fun along the way with a team of great people! 

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required:

We are keen to hear from you if you have: 

• The proven ability to think strategically and manage systems and processes.
• The ability to quickly assimilate new information or areas of work and come to an understanding of unfamiliar and complex issues.
• Proven leadership and planning skills to manage projects to deliver quality results that meet public sector accountability requirements (including performance and reporting activities).
• Strong financial literacy with experience managing contracts with external partners.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop trust and credibility with senior leaders, managers, and staff (internally and externally).
• Demonstrated leadership for effective client servicing and the ability to liaise with all levels of staff within the Ministry and with external agencies.
• Experience and interest in leading, coaching and developing staff.
• Must have legal right to live and work in NZ.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - 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 Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o 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.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the advert may be taken down prior to the date stated if suitable candidates are identified.

Email Jackie Johnson at jackie.johnson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17396 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 3rd June 2025 at 11.59pm

Please note that MBIE's careers site will not be available from 09.00am to 13.00pm on Saturday May 24th for scheduled maintenance