About the role
Ever wanted to build something that could reshape a region’s economy? Picture a region with world-class engineering and industrial capability, where firms that compete every day also know how to win together. That’s the idea behind the Taranaki Alliance. It’s a new, industry-led platform that brings regional member firms together to go after major projects at scale, giving Tier 1 primes, government and major contractors one front door to Taranaki capability across sectors such as infrastructure, energy transition, advanced manufacturing and international supply chains. Now we need someone to continue the momentum we have established in the last 12months, lead the team, open doors, and turn those opportunities into contracts.
Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is establishing the Alliance alongside local industry and is seeking a commercially driven, well-connected senior leader to take it forward. This isn’t a conventional programme role. You will shape opportunities well before they reach tender, build senior relationships with the organisations that award major work, and bring Alliance member firms together to compete and deliver collectively.
With a three-year ambition of securing up to $200 million in contracts and sustaining and growing skilled roles, it’s a rare chance to build something new and see its impact across the region.
This is a full-time, fixed-term three-year role based in Taranaki, with national and international travel
Key responsibilities
Lead the Alliance’s commercial strategy, building a strong pipeline of market and contract opportunities and helping member firms convert them into secured work across sectors such as infrastructure, energy transition, advanced manufacturing, civil services and international supply chains.
Engage early in procurement cycles to shape opportunities and position Taranaki capability before work is tendered.
Build trusted senior relationships with Tier 1 primes, major contractors, government, investors and strategic partners, and represent the Alliance at senior forums.
Bring member firms together through teaming, consortium or SPV structures and support the coordination of major bids.
Establish the Alliance’s work programme, budgets, operating disciplines and reporting to VT leadership, the VT Board and the Industry Advisory Group.
Lead a multidisciplinary team spanning market and commercial capture, operations and marketing, guiding opportunities through to in-region delivery.
Support members to build their capability and readiness for major work, fostering trust, transparency and fair participation.
About you
Senior commercial, business development or general management experience in complex industrial environments such as heavy engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy or major projects.
A proven track record converting large, multi-party opportunities into workable commercial arrangements.
Executive-level networks and credibility with Tier 1 contractors, major corporates, government and procurement organisations.
Strong understanding of complex procurement, contracting and consortium delivery models, with sharp financial and commercial judgement.
Experience building a new initiative or commercial function from early-stage proposition to results-focused operation.
An innovative thinker who finds new approaches, opportunities and commercial constructs.
Collaborative, results-driven leadership: you can build alignment across businesses of different sizes and priorities, make sound calls while things are still taking shape, and communicate persuasively from the workshop floor to the boardroom.
A tertiary qualification in commerce, engineering, business or programme management is desirable; equivalent senior industry experience is strongly valued.
Strong financial and commercial literacy, covering business cases, budgets, pricing and commercial models, contract risk and performance reporting.
About us
As the Regional Development Agency for Taranaki, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is working to build a thriving region for all. We support local entrepreneurship and enterprises to grow, promote our region and attract visitation, talent and investment, and help to develop and establish our sectors.
We achieve this through sectoral support initiatives, business growth services, regional promotions, and strategic projects and planning, working across the organisation, and with our numerous partners and stakeholders to deliver on our regional strategy and vision Tapuae Roa.
Based in the heart of Ngāmotu New Plymouth, our team of around 25 people work with stakeholders across a wide range of industries and sectors, local and national government, community groups, iwi, and individual enterprises. With a strong and inclusive culture, we offer a modern, open working environment, positive work-life balance and flexible working, unlimited paid sick leave, and investment in your growth and development.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
If you are excited about the prospect of leading the success of the Taranaki Alliance and possess the skills and passion for this role, we want to hear from you.
Please click on the Apply button to submit an application, including your CV and a cover letter. Click the link here for the full Job Description: https://www.taranaki.co.nz/assets/Uploads/Taranaki-Alliance-Programme-Director-Job-Description.pdf
Applications close Friday 30th October with interviews scheduled to take place the following two weeks.