Careers

Senior Commercialisation Manager - Fixed Term Contract

Opportunity knocks

“Wellington UniVentures has given me both the opportunity and flexibility to keep developing myself and my career. I was working as an Intellectual Property (IP) specialist for the company when I got offered the chance to present one of the projects that I’d been protecting the IP on, as part of an application for its continued funding. I really enjoyed the process, so we’re now exploring the possibility that I could move into a Commercialisation Manager role in the future, once I’ve finished my engineering study at Victoria University of Wellington.

The company has encouraged me to take on this further learning with a contract that enables me to fit work around my studies for now. And with our office conveniently located on the top floor of the University’s library, there really is no better place to work and study at the same time!”

Adrian Evans

Making a difference

"I love coming to work because I know that every time we work with developing countries, we are truly making a difference—both on a personal level and an environmental level—as we help them to develop their economies in a sustainable way.

As Programme Manager for the International Development team, I'm passionate about enriching people as individuals—I believe that when those up-skilled individuals come together, that's what leads to growth.

We don't always see the impact of our work straight away because it's not as instant or tangible as, say, putting up a new building. But we know that what we do is working, because our international partners continue to engage with us—and we continue to learn from them in return."

Doyet Sevilla

Knowledge is power

"Wellington UniVentures is such a dynamic, interesting place to work—I really enjoy the fact that I'm working alongside team members who know so much about so many different things, and that they're generous in sharing that knowledge with me.

There's a real sense of purpose to what we do here. We're trusted to do what needs to be done, and what we do is valued and appreciated which makes for a great work environment.

It's also a huge bonus to be part of the wider University ecosystem and be able to attend lectures that relate to the research topics that I'm screening at the time—and there's the opportunity for further study right on the doorstep!

Mick Riley

From EA to MBA

"I first started with the company in 2010 as Executive Assistant (EA) to the Managing Director. By 2014, Geoff Todd—who was Managing Director at that time—suggested that I study for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

The team often acted as sounding boards throughout my study, and encouraged me to keep going when things got tough—Geoff's belief in me helped me see it through to the end, even after a family illness meant putting my studies on hold for a year.

In 2017, I was promoted to the role of ASEAN Regional Programmes Manager for the Knowledge Services part of the business, and I'll be forever grateful for the opportunities I've been given to develop myself and my career."

Simone Smith

No two days the same

"As an Analyst for the IP Commercialisation team, I get to screen the ideas and inventions that come out of Victoria University of Wellington's world-class research, to identify early-stage projects with commercial potential.

This means working across an incredible variety of industries and technologies, which I really enjoy—every day is different. It might be molecules for potentially life-saving drugs one day; the next, it's spectroscopy instruments or computer algorithms.

Wellington UniVentures encourages me to push my boundaries—within a really supportive environment—and to grow through professional development initiatives. Add to that the fun, social team, and you've got a great place to work!"

Sam Wojcik

Moving up to management

"Wellington UniVentures has a strong focus on developing its employees. I first started working for the company in 2017 as a Senior Administrator and then, as the company grew, I was promoted to Human Resources Manager and given a large amount of autonomy to structure and develop the role.

I love learning, so around the same time I began studying for an MBA—encouraged and supported by many of my colleagues, including the CEO. It was a great opportunity to develop my management skills and the team helped out by allowing me to interview them for assignments, or by just giving feedback on assignments before hand-in.

I have to say that the company's support—and this includes things like study leave—has really helped me to grow personally as well as professionally."

Anna du Fresne