Principal Investment Manager

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
- Permanent opportunity based in Wellington Central
- Bring your knowledge of the current issues, challenges, and trends in the science and innovation system to MBIE
- Salary Range $132,417 - $160,472 Plus kiwisaver and wellness benefits

Opportunity to lead at a Principal Level Science Initiatives which support government goals in improving environment, social and economic outcomes.

**Tēnei tūranga - About the Role**:
The Principal (Science) Investment Manager role, sits within MBIE's Labour, Science and Enterprise Group with the Contestable Investments Team.

The Contestable Investments Team manages research investments and runs investment processes for one of the largest pools of contestable government research funding.

We focus on scientific research to improve New Zealand's environment, social and economic outcomes. Our goal is to use science excellence to generate transformative impact for New Zealand. We build knowledge and strong constructive relationships with the science, research and end-user community; we manage investment and contracting relationships to contribute to smart funding decisions; we monitor and evaluate the performance of investments; and we work in science topic areas across the science system.

As a Principal Investment Manager, you will be responsible for driving and leading a portfolio of investment functions and provide expert sector knowledge. This includes liaising with other groups within MBIE as well as external stakeholders, leading complex investment processes and relationships, mentoring and guiding staff, and contributing to branch strategy development.

You will work with others to drive investment best practise and set the direction for investment performance.

About the Science System Investment and Performance branch

We are responsible for the full range of functions that supports New Zealand's science and research system.
We make, manage, assess and advise on a range of scientific investments to meet New Zealand's economic, social and environmental ambitions.
- Through a portfolio approach, based on broad scientific knowledge within the branch, and the contribution of specialised expertise from the sector (e.g. through Panels and assessors)
- Through sector stewardship, working as a credible partner and neutral broker within the sector and across government to facilitate frank discussions and identify opportunities
- As a smart operator, with both scientific and government sector credibility, and the ability to marry these to find practical solutions
- By being the expert on best practice and running efficient, clear processes Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required
- A solid understanding of the current issues, challenges, and trends in the science and innovation system and an understanding of the complete cycle of science investment.
- A track record and credibility with the science and technical community. A tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as science, engineering, business or humanities is required.
- Have good people skills. Be able to establish rapport quickly and put people at ease while enabling negotiation and influencing across a range of internal and external stakeholders with complex multi-party relationships.
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills. Can add diversity of thought e.g., ethnic perspectives/Te Ao Māori perspective or a perspective based on prior experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor people, and nurture and grow positive relationships between teams. A supportive and inspirational team player.
- Be able to lead significant initiatives across the branch.
- You may have experience in a broad range of positions relevant to this role (investment management, strategy development, relationship management, contract management, project management).

**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 p