Commercial Manager - Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences

Job Description:

Turn World-Class Science into Commercial Success

• Bridge the gap between high-end research and industry application.
• Drive the commercial strategy for world-class research platforms in areas like Medical Imaging and Precision Medicine.
• Ideal for a Commercial Manager, Business Development Lead, or Tech Transfer Specialist.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a pivotal role within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, focused on driving the commercial success and sustainability of world-class research platforms and core facilities. Sitting at the intersection of cutting-edge science and industry, you’ll transform these platforms into commercially attractive services while growing external partnerships and revenue.

You’ll play a key role in shaping commercial strategy, developing industry relationships, and ensuring research infrastructure delivers both scientific and financial impact.

Key Accountabilities:

• Commercial Strategy: Lead the development and implementation of commercial strategies for research platforms, including market analysis, positioning and service packaging. You will work closely with academic and operational leaders to evolve platforms into competitive, industry-facing offerings that align with faculty priorities and maximise utilisation.
• Business Development: Drive proactive business development activity to identify and secure new industry partners across biotech, pharmaceutical, medtech and research sectors. You will generate and manage a strong commercial pipeline, lead end-to-end sales processes, and translate complex scientific capabilities into compelling value propositions that attract external clients and funding.
• Account Management: Act as the primary point of contact for commercial clients, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience from initial engagement through to delivery and invoicing. You will build and maintain long-term relationships, manage expectations, oversee service delivery with internal stakeholders, and identify opportunities for repeat business and account growth.
• Pricing & Sustainability: Design and refine pricing models and cost-recovery frameworks that ensure financial sustainability while remaining competitive in the market. You will support long-term planning by developing commercial roadmaps, monitoring revenue performance, and contributing to financial forecasting to ensure platforms transition towards cost-neutral or revenue-generating operations.

For more information, please see Position Description

This is a full-time, permanent role (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday). The pay range is $130,700 - $159,900 pa depending on skills and experience.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’re a commercially minded professional who enjoys working at the intersection of research, people and industry. You’re comfortable engaging with scientists and technical experts, and you know how to turn complex information and concepts into something that makes sense and holds value for external partners.

You don’t need to be a scientist, but you’re genuinely interested in science‑led innovation and research infrastructure. You understand that relationships matter, and you’re at your best when building trust, bringing people together and finding practical ways to make things work for everyone involved.

You may have gained your experience in areas such as business development, scientific services, contract research, technology commercialisation or account management, and are now looking for a role where you can take a more strategic, site‑based approach.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Strong commercial experience within science, technology or health‑related sectors in New Zealand and Australia
• Confidence working with a wide range of stakeholders, from academic and technical teams to external industry partners
• A sound understanding of pricing strategy, cost recovery and commercial sustainability
• The ability to explain technical offerings clearly and compellingly to non‑technical audiences
• A collaborative, pragmatic approach and the ability to operate effectively in a complex environment
• A relevant tertiary qualification in science, business or a related field

Experience working with research platforms or scientific services is an advantage, but above all, we’re looking for someone who can connect capability, people and opportunity.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Deliver meaningful impact with unique variety, supporting life‑changing research across platforms ranging from microscopy to advanced MRI.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Flexible employment practices (including working from home if feasible, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation/KiwiSaver schemes

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

 For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

Applications should be submitted online, by 29 July 2026 to be considered.

Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.