Business Manager - Agriculture

About the company

The Bioeconomy Science Institute unites more than 2,000 scientists, researchers, and specialists across New Zealand’s food, fibre, forestry, and environmental sectors. Its mission is to accelerate a strong bioeconomy through globally respected science, innovation, and partnership.

By working with industry, communities, and collaborators, the organisation converts research into practical outcomes that strengthen sustainable growth, build environmental resilience, and create positive impact for Aotearoa New Zealand.

About the role

This position is for a commercially astute relationship manager to join the Commercial Group as Business Manager – Private Sector Agriculture. The role acts as the main link between science teams and New Zealand’s pastoral agriculture industry, developing trusted partnerships, spotting opportunities, and helping deliver science-based solutions that generate value for farmers, industry, and the wider country.

What you will do

• Develop and deepen partnerships with private-sector agricultural clients and other industry stakeholders.
• Identify, pursue, and win new commercial research work.
• Convert customer needs and opportunities into practical, science-led solutions.
• Take ownership of customer engagement, proposal writing, and contract discussions.
• Partner with scientists and research teams to achieve strong delivery outcomes.
• Represent the Institute at industry networks, forums, and events.
• Help strengthen the growth and performance of the Commercial Group.

What you will bring

You should be an effective relationship builder with commercial judgement, credibility in the sector, and a genuine interest in agriculture.

• Background in business development, account management, commercial leadership, or sales.
• Solid understanding of New Zealand’s pastoral farming sector.
• Demonstrated success in building client relationships and increasing revenue.
• Experience with technical, scientific, or innovation-led products or services.
• Strong communication, persuasion, and negotiation ability.
• Capability to turn complex information into workable customer solutions.
• Strong planning skills and the ability to juggle several priorities at once.
• A tertiary qualification in agriculture, science, business, or a similar field.
• Existing connections in the agricultural sector would be beneficial.
• Awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it applies in a research setting.

Why join us

• Work where science, innovation, and agriculture meet to create meaningful impact.
• Collaborate with some of New Zealand’s leading scientists.
• Build valuable relationships across the agricultural industry.
• Help shape innovative solutions that support a thriving bioeconomy.
• Influence research programmes with real-world outcomes.
• Be part of a collaborative organisation with a clear purpose.

Application details

Interested candidates are asked to apply through the company’s careers page and include a brief cover letter explaining their motivation for the role and the strengths they would contribute to the team.

If you would like to review the position description, it is available via the link provided in the source listing.

For questions about the role, please contact Alex McGrath, Sector Manager Food & Fibre, at Alex.McGrath@agresearch.co.nz or +64 27 663 8628.

Applications close on Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at 5pm.