Chief Executive - AUT Ventures

Job Description:

• Lead one of New Zealand's most influential research commercialisation and innovation organisations.
• Turn bold ideas, research and innovation into meaningful impact.
• Drive the translation of world-class research into ventures, technologies and outcomes that create lasting value.
• Permanent, full-time position based in Auckland’s CBD.

AUT Ventures

AUT Ventures exists to turn bold ideas, research and innovation into impact. As AUT's commercialisation and consulting company, it connects world-leading research, entrepreneurial talent, investors and industry partners to create ventures, technologies and solutions that address real-world challenges. With a 20-year track record, a $5M Innovation Fund, and a growing portfolio of high-potential ventures and technologies, AUT Ventures plays a pivotal role in New Zealand's innovation ecosystem. From medical devices to sportstech, new materials to AI, creative technologies to seismic engineering and everything in between, AUT Ventures is helping shape industries, create economic, social and environmental value, and deliver meaningful outcomes on a global stage.

• To learn more about AUT Ventures, visit: https://ventures.aut.ac.nz/
• For further details about the role, please review the position description.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

Lead the organisation responsible for transforming AUT's research, expertise and entrepreneurial talent into real-world impact. As Chief Executive, you will drive AUT Ventures’ strategic, commercial and operational success, leading a high-performing team of 12 specialists dedicated to creating pathways from discovery to impact through research commercialisation, venture development and consulting.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the future of innovation and research commercialisation in Aotearoa New Zealand, enabling ideas and discoveries to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits while strengthening AUT's contribution locally and globally.

With a strong platform, established reputation and growing pipeline of innovation and commercialisation opportunities, AUT Ventures is well positioned for its next phase of growth and impact. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of research commercialisation in Aotearoa New Zealand, working at the intersection of research, entrepreneurship, investment and industry to bring breakthrough ideas, technologies and research to the world.  The role reports to the AUT Ventures Board and works closely with AUT's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research.

Key focus areas include:

• Advancing the impact and commercialisation of AUT research, innovation and intellectual property.
• Leading and empowering a high-performing team across pipeline development, commercialisation, consulting services and industry engagement.
• Building enduring partnerships with researchers, industry, investors and the wider innovation ecosystem.
• Creating pathways from discovery to impact through venture development, licensing, knowledge transfer and investment attraction.
• Ensuring sustainable growth and long-term value creation for both AUT and AUT Ventures.
• Providing strategic leadership, governance and stewardship to support performance, compliance and responsible growth.

About you | Ko wai koe

We are seeking a strategic, empathetic senior leader passionate for innovation, entrepreneurship and unlocking the potential of research to create meaningful impact. You will bring the commercial expertise to realise opportunities, alongside values-led relationship-building skills to work effectively across academia, industry, government and investment communities. Most importantly, you are motivated by helping talented people turn ideas and discoveries into outcomes that benefit communities, the environment and the economy.

To succeed in this role, you will bring: 

1. Proven executive leadership experience, with a track record of building high-performing, values-led teams and cultures.
2. Significant experience in research commercialisation, intellectual property management, and translating innovation into tangible outcomes.
3. Demonstrated success in venture creation, investment attraction and commercialisation, including licensing intellectual property, developing spin-out ventures and bringing new technologies to market.
4. Strong relationship-building capability and credibility across New Zealand's research, industry, government, investor and innovation communities.
5. Sound commercial, financial and operational acumen, with experience leading organisational performance, sustainability and growth.
6. Exceptional communication, influencing and strategic stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to navigate complex environments and competing priorities.
7. A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono 

Please submit the following via AUT’s careers site:

1. A cover letter detailing why this unique role and AUT appeal to you, and what impact and contribution you believe you could make.
2. A statement addressing how your experience aligns with the key characteristics above.
3. Your full CV (including details of the scale, scope and impact of leadership roles held). 

Further Information:

• Start Date: The successful candidate would join AUT by February 2027 (to be agreed).
• Term: The successful candidate will secure a permanent appointment. A competitive remuneration package will be agreed, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Contact for enquiries or a confidential chat: Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner – [email protected]. 

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's newest university and one of its most distinctive. Centred on students and grounded in knowledge that works, AUT is 5-star rated by QS, with more than 27,000 students and 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. It's a place of real opportunity, where the values of Pono, Tika and Aroha shape how talented, progressive people work together – and you'll feel that in the culture, in the collaboration and in the difference the work makes for students, communities and the world.

Our community is stronger because of the role Te Tiriti plays in how we operate, and because Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership and contribution are central to who we are. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs. 

Closing date for applications: Sunday 8 November at 11.55pm NZST

Reference: 96946

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.