Assistant Manager / Manager - Innovation and Growth Advisory

About KPMG New Zealand

KPMG New Zealand operates as part of a global professional services network renowned for delivering audit, tax, and advisory solutions to a diverse client base including individuals, SMEs, multinational corporations, and government bodies. At the heart of KPMG’s mission is advancing prosperity across New Zealand, guided by core values such as Integrity, Courage, Excellence, Collaboration, and a vision for a better future.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Assistant Manager or Manager to join our rapidly expanding Innovation & Growth Advisory team. This team aids clients ranging from large publicly listed enterprises to small startups in navigating government funding avenues, focusing primarily on the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI). This incentive aims to promote innovative technology advancements by providing commercial perspective support for R&D activities.

The successful candidate will be part of an energetic team committed to broadening service offerings and delivering impactful support across the innovation and technology sectors in New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate in-depth technical conversations with diverse professionals including scientists, engineers, and CTOs across various sectors about their innovative projects within New Zealand.
• Leverage technical expertise to engage clients in sectors such as seismic engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning, automation, agritech, food and beverage technology, and manufacturing.
• Oversee multiple project workflows involved in scoping and preparing government funding applications, ensuring guidance and development opportunities for junior team members.
• Support large organizations in identifying and understanding their internal innovation initiatives, often complex and dispersed due to organizational size.
• Assist SMEs in streamlining access to government funding, acknowledging that management responsibilities may be distributed within these companies.
• Guide startups through the landscape of government funding options, prioritizing immediate cash flow needs.
• Collaborate with government agencies to aid in policy creation and implementation aimed at boosting New Zealand’s innovation funding and technology sector growth.
• Contribute towards the team’s strategic goal to extend advisory services beyond RDTI to other funding options that foster business innovation and growth, aligning with KPMG’s mission of enhancing national prosperity.

Candidate Profile

• Strong enthusiasm and curiosity about innovation and technology trends nationally and internationally.
• A minimum of five years in a technical role within software, information systems, science, or engineering sectors; experience with consulting or external stakeholder engagement is advantageous.
• Experience in preparing or submitting applications for R&D tax incentives or related government grants and funding.
• A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a technical discipline such as science, software engineering, or engineering; software engineering or information systems backgrounds are preferred.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills enabling interaction with diverse audiences including technical experts, executives, finance personnel, and government officials.

Additional Information

The recruitment process is managed internally by KPMG’s Talent Acquisition team, with no external agencies involved at this stage. KPMG is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from people of varied backgrounds including those with disabilities, mental health needs, chronic conditions, or neurodiversity. Support and accommodations can be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Employee Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in the firm's annual incentive program.
• Opportunities for both local and international secondments.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements encompassing office, client sites, and home environments to support individual preferences.
• Option to work overseas with extended time to connect with friends and family abroad.
• Varied leave policies including the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Gender-neutral paid parental leave for all new parents (up to 18 weeks).
• Professional membership fees sponsored by the firm.
• Access to digital credentials through partnerships with leading educational platforms and customized learning paths.
• Discount programs covering insurance, banking, lifestyle goods, and services.
• Inclusion networks fostering diversity and belonging such as Kiwa, Pride, Ethnicity, Accessibility, and Wahine groups.
• Engagement in environmental initiatives aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.
• Social clubs promoting community through diverse social, sporting, cultural, and charitable events.
• Paid volunteer leave and support for community citizenship activities.
• Comprehensive wellness benefits including flu vaccinations, subsidized sports, counseling services, additional wellness leave, and extensive health resources.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

KPMG utilizes AI tools to enhance the recruitment phase by reviewing applications and identifying data patterns to support decision-making; however, all final hiring judgments are made by human recruiters.