Head of Growth and Partnerships

About the Role

Peddlethorp, a renowned New Zealand design and architecture studio established in 1968, is seeking a senior leader to join their executive team. This brand-new Head of Growth and Partnerships will collaborate closely with directors and studio heads to drive the expansion of the business across Auckland and the broader New Zealand market. The goal is to amplify the studio's reputation for delivering high-quality, large-scale projects by promoting their brand consistently and authentically.

The position involves designing and spearheading the business development strategy, selecting key sectors and clients to target, and refining Peddlethorp’s market voice in a way that aligns with the company's cultural values. This leader will manage a diverse portfolio spanning private and public sectors, applying strategic focus to future growth areas.

Strengthening the firm's market credibility will be essential through improving growth-supporting tools such as proposals and presentation materials, maintaining up-to-date case studies and capability documents, and directing a purposeful digital presence aimed at relevant audiences.

Building and nurturing internal partnerships with directors, studio leaders and architects is crucial—this role demands effective upward management and gaining the trust of technical experts while acting as a valued partner who brings forward client opportunities and fresh ideas.

Externally, this is a client-facing leadership role involving active relationship development with key decision-makers, representing the firm at industry events, panels, client meetings, and cultivating new business opportunities.

Candidate Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in business development, partnerships, or growth roles, preferably with executive- or C-suite-level exposure, ideally within architecture, engineering, property, design, or related professional service sectors.
• Strong and authentic relationship-building skills capable of quickly earning trust both internally and externally.
• Ability to engage senior leaders and technical teams as a credible peer, using diplomacy, influence, and a values-driven approach.
• Solid commercial judgment to assess and prioritize opportunities effectively.
• Hands-on experience or keen interest in leveraging AI tools for smarter business development activities including market analysis, client insights, proposal creation, and enhancing internal processes.
• Comfort operating in an evolving role with some initial ambiguity, demonstrating the ability to create structure, maintain momentum, and define success.

What the Role Offers

• An opportunity to craft both the strategic direction and functional design of the growth role with strong executive backing.
• Representation of a reputable and substantial practice, reinforcing its market position and driving consistent business opportunities.
• Visibility as one of the key faces of Peddlethorp at important client, industry, and stakeholder forums.
• A chance to construct scalable growth mechanisms such as pipeline discipline, engagement planning, market intelligence gathering, and capability materials to sustain long-term success.
• Potential for the role to develop further in leadership scope as the function expands.

Additional Information and Application Process

Candidates must be New Zealand citizens, residents, or hold valid work visas permitting employment in New Zealand. References will be requested at a later stage and applicants should not include them in their CV during application. For any queries, candidates may contact the designated representative for a confidential discussion.