Business Growth Advisor / Innovation Navigator

Help Te Tai Tokerau businesses grow, innovate and realise their potential.

Northland NZ, the regional economic development agency for Te Tai Tokerau, is seeking a commercially experienced Business Growth Advisor / Innovation Navigator to join our Business Innovation and Growth (BIG) team.

You’ll work alongside business owners and entrepreneurs to understand their ambitions, identify opportunities and turn priorities into practical action. From strengthening business capability and exploring new markets to progressing innovation and commercialisation, you’ll connect businesses with the expertise, relationships and resources they need to move forward.

This is one integrated advisory role, combining commercial insight with innovation navigation. You’ll undertake business discovery, develop growth plans and help clients explore research and development, technology adoption, new products and services, collaboration and investment readiness. You’ll build trusted relationships and follow through to understand the difference your support is making.

You’ll bring proven business acumen, strong financial literacy and sound judgement grounded in the realities of running an SME. Your experience could come from business ownership, management, advisory work, commercialisation or innovation. Relevant qualifications are welcome, but we equally value practical commercial experience and a track record of turning opportunities into action.

A natural relationship builder, you’ll listen well, ask useful questions and connect people with the right support. You’ll understand Te Tai Tokerau’s economic and cultural context and engage effectively with pakihi Māori, iwi, hapū and Māori business networks, with respect for tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

You’ll be motivated, organised and collaborative, with clear communication, high ethical standards and the discipline to manage a client portfolio, maintain accurate records and see commitments through. Experience with innovation networks or government business-support programmes would be an advantage, alongside the ability to learn changing support pathways.

This is an opportunity to put your commercial experience to work for the region—supporting local enterprise, strengthening Māori business opportunities and helping build a more productive, innovative and resilient Te Tai Tokerau economy.

Ready to help Northland businesses take their next step?
To request the full job description or apply with your CV and cover letter, contact Tammy Fromont [email protected]
Applications close: Monday 16th November 2026 at 8am.