Team Leader Patents

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Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

Lead and manage a team of examiners in the Patents (Science) and PVR team, in a rewarding and challenging environment

Join a collaborative and results-driven TL and extended leadership team

Flexible working options and opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career

Permanent role with a Salary of $118.390 – $143,639 + wellness benefits and kiwisaver, location in Wellington or Christchurch

Team Leaders are responsible for leading and managing a technical examination team.

This vacancy reports to the Manager, Patents (Science) and PVR.

You will be accountable for setting your team's goals and devising strategies to ensure the team meets its output and quality objectives.

You will be responsible for building your team's overall capability, including its resourcing and staff development.

You will oversee the team's difficult and contentious cases to minimise business risk, and ensure the best outcomes for applicants and the public interest.

As a member of the extended Leadership Team, you will work closely with existing TLs in the Patents, PVR and Designs teams.

You will also be expected to contribute to the overall strategic direction, projects, and constant business improvement initiatives, and support the Managers to achieve the wider business objectives.

Skills and Experience Required

We are keen to hear from you if you have :

Lead, motivated and coached others to achieve their goals and deliver high-quality results, preferably within IP or another regulatory system

Effective communication skills to create connections with stakeholders and collaborate with peers to maintain consistency across IPONZ

Good judgment, prioritisation and time management skills, with ability to make sound decisions in complex situations

Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.

A strong commitment to personal growth and development

Experience in contributing to strategic direction, projects and constant business improvement initiatives

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.

Maia– Bold and brave

Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future

Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity – Hikina Whakatutuki – which broadly means 'lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under TeTiritio Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to TeTiritio Waitangi.

We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups / organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Applications close on 17th of October 2025

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