Partnership Lead

He kōrero mō mātou | About us

Amotai is Aotearoa’s supplier diversity intermediary, connecting Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses with buyers across the motu who are seeking goods, services, and works. We maintain a national directory of verified suppliers to diversify their supply chains in a meaningful and sustainable way.

The name Amotai – meaning the swell in the tide – reflects collective momentum and progress. We exist to enable long-term, equitable business opportunities that grow a prosperous Tāmaki Makaurau and contribute to a more inclusive Aotearoa economy.

He angitūtanga | The opportunity

As the Partnership Lead, you will play a key role in growing the reach, impact, and long-term sustainability of Amotai. Working part-time, 24 hours per week on a fixed-term basis, this role will focus on increasing funding opportunities, unlocking in-kind support, and building strategic domestic and international partnerships that help advance supplier diversity across Aotearoa New Zealand. You will work closely across Amotai’s buyer network and wider stakeholder ecosystem to identify opportunities, strengthen relationships, and support revenue and partnership targets that contribute to Amotai’s strategic objectives.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing strategies to identify, grow, and leverage partnership opportunities across the Amotai network, including funding, in-kind support, and strategic collaboration.
• Building and managing strong relationships with government agencies, corporate partners, prospective partners, and other key stakeholders to support Amotai’s mission and long-term success.
• Conducting market analysis to identify emerging trends, opportunities, services, products, and areas for growth within supplier diversity.
• Preparing compelling proposals, presentations, and partnership agreements, while leading negotiations to secure mutually beneficial outcomes and sustainable revenue streams.
• Tracking partnership performance, maintaining strong partner engagement, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen Amotai’s impact and effectiveness.

Click this link to access the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will bring strong knowledge and understanding of supplier diversity, alongside a genuine awareness of indigenous societies, cultures, and the issues affecting Māori and Pasifika businesses. With proven experience in partnership development, business growth, influencing, negotiation, and strategic relationship management at a senior level, you will be confident working with funders, senior leaders, members, partners, suppliers, and diverse stakeholder groups. You will also bring experience building global relationships that support local impact, as well as a strong customer-focused project management approach and demonstrated experience working across Māori and/or Pasifika business sectors. 

You bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field; an MBA or equivalent experience would be advantageous.
• Five or more years’ experience in business administration, marketing, business development, partnerships, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical, strategic, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, develop actionable plans, and influence stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills, supported by confidence using CRM software and other relationship management tools.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to take initiative, think creatively, adapt to change, and collaborate across Auckland Council, TSI, local government, Poutama, Whāriki, TPK, and the wider funding ecosystem to identify and secure partnership opportunities. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What We Offer  

At Amotai, you will be part of a passionate and forward-thinking team that is committed to creating real change across the New Zealand economy. You will lead with purpose and influence, positioning Amotai as a recognised leader in supplier diversity across Aotearoa.   As part of the wider Auckland Council Group, you’ll gain access to many benefits and discounts, including discounted financial services and insurance, entertainment, lifestyle and more. 

Please see a snapshot of our Auckland Council benefits  

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now! 

Applications close: Tuesday 16 June 2026

Band G

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Council terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Council terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Council terms and conditions.