Technical Strategy and Innovation Advisor

Division: Strategy & Business Development

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Auckland

About Lightforce Solar

Lightforce Solar is one of New Zealand's leading solar and battery providers, delivering residential and commercial renewable energy solutions throughout the country.

As the renewable energy sector continues to evolve, Lightforce is committed to identifying new technologies, improving business performance, strengthening its product offering, and creating long-term value for customers. The company recognises that technical expertise is not only critical to delivering projects but also to shaping business strategy, evaluating opportunities, improving systems, and maintaining a competitive advantage.

Position Purpose

The Technical Strategy & Innovation Advisor is responsible for identifying, evaluating and developing technical, commercial and strategic opportunities that support Lightforce's long-term growth. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the role provides independent technical advice and strategic insight across product development, emerging technologies, supplier relationships, operational improvement initiatives, and new market opportunities.

Acting as a bridge between technical knowledge and commercial decision-making, the Technical Strategy & Innovation Advisor helps ensure Lightforce remains innovative, competitive and well-positioned to respond to future industry developments. Unlike traditional engineering roles focused on project delivery, this position is centred on research, analysis, innovation and business improvement, with a focus on turning technical opportunities into practical commercial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technology & Market Assessment

Monitor developments in renewable energy, electrification, manufacturing, automation, artificial intelligence, energy management and related technologies.

Identify emerging technologies, products, services and business models that may create opportunities for Lightforce.

Evaluate market trends, competitive developments and industry changes.

Advise the CEO and senior leadership team on technology-related risks, opportunities and strategic considerations.

* Build relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, research organisations, universities and technology partners.

Innovation, Product Development & Commercialisation

Identify opportunities to enhance Lightforce's product, service and technology offering.

Evaluate new products, suppliers and technologies for technical suitability, commercial viability and strategic fit.

Lead investigations, trials and pilot programmes involving new technologies or business concepts.

Support the development and introduction of new products, services and revenue streams.

* Assess opportunities to create competitive advantage through innovation and differentiation.

Business Improvement & Special Projects

Identify opportunities to improve operational performance, quality, customer outcomes and profitability.

Investigate complex technical, operational or commercial challenges and recommend practical solutions.

Lead strategic projects and initiatives as directed by the CEO.

Undertake technical due diligence, feasibility assessments and business case development.

* Support cross-functional initiatives that require high-level technical and analytical capability.

Technical Advisory & Knowledge Leadership

Provide independent technical advice to the CEO and senior leadership team.

Translate complex technical information into practical business recommendations.

Support internal decision-making relating to technology, products, suppliers and strategic investments.

Prepare reports, presentations and strategic recommendations for leadership.

* Promote innovation, continuous learning and evidence-based decision-making throughout the organisation.

What We're Looking For

You are a highly accomplished technical professional with a track record of applying engineering and scientific expertise to solve complex commercial, technical and strategic challenges.

You are equally comfortable discussing advanced technical concepts, evaluating new technologies, developing business opportunities, engaging with suppliers and presenting recommendations to senior executives.

You possess a rare combination of technical depth, commercial understanding and innovation capability, allowing you to bridge the gap between research, engineering and business strategy.

Essential Requirements

Advanced tertiary qualification in Engineering, Science, Technology, Innovation, Industrial Design or a closely related discipline. Postgraduate qualifications, research-based degrees or equivalent advanced technical credentials are strongly preferred.

At least 15 years' experience operating within technical, engineering, research, product development, manufacturing, innovation or technology-focused environments.

Demonstrated experience evaluating, developing or commercialising technology, products, systems or technical solutions.

Proven ability to lead complex technical investigations and translate findings into practical commercial outcomes.

Experience working across multiple disciplines, including engineering, manufacturing, product development, research, innovation, technology strategy or business development.

Strong understanding of how technical decisions influence business performance, market positioning, operational efficiency and long-term growth.

Experience engaging directly with senior executives, business owners, investors, suppliers, research institutions or strategic partners.

Exceptional analytical, research and problem-solving capability, with the ability to rapidly understand unfamiliar technologies and assess their practical application.

Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality technical reports, business cases, recommendations and strategic assessments.

Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence decisions without direct authority.

* A demonstrated history of innovation thought leadership or significant technical achievement within a professional or commercial environment.

Highly Desirable

Master's degree or PhD in a relevant discipline.

Experience in advanced research environments, research institutions or technology development organisations.

Experience developing intellectual property, patents, proprietary technologies or commercially differentiated solutions.

Experience founding, leading or scaling technology, engineering or manufacturing businesses.

Experience working with universities, research organisations, manufacturers or international technology partners.

Experience assessing emerging technologies and bringing new products or solutions to market.

Experience within renewable energy, distributed energy systems, electrification, advanced materials, manufacturing technologies or adjacent sectors.

A recognised record of technical achievement, innovation leadership, published research, industry contribution or commercial technology development.