Commercial Strategy Lead

About the Role

Stuff is seeking a Commercial Strategy Lead to join its Harakeke team, which focuses on commercial content, integration, and sponsorship. This role is ideal for an innovative strategist who can anticipate future trends and opportunities where audiences, technology, culture, and Stuff’s unique strengths converge to create groundbreaking solutions for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead high-stakes and complex pitch initiatives requiring innovative and new-to-market commercial ideas, products, or platforms.
• Create and develop new commercial propositions and sales platforms, including unreleased Stuff products if necessary.
• Manage the strategic approach to major Stuff opportunities from their initial brief through to pitching and final outcomes.
• Identify ways to leverage Stuff’s audience, journalism, trust, data, platforms, products, intellectual property, and insights into commercially viable offerings.
• Forecast audience interactions with Stuff’s platforms at least six months ahead, incorporating AI and emerging trends with publishing realities.
• Create and disseminate strategic frameworks, templates, and playbooks to elevate the commercial acumen within the Harakeke team.
• Lead and maintain senior-level client and agency discussions regarding complex or key strategic opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with Harakeke’s Director on assessing opportunities, managing briefs, and prioritizing efforts.
• Provide mentorship and support to the Creative Strategist and the broader Harakeke team.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in commercial strategy, integration, brand partnerships, media, advertising, or agency environments.
• Proven leadership in managing complex, high-value pitches from initial briefing to successful conclusion.
• Demonstrated experience in crafting novel commercial products, platforms, or propositions beyond adapting existing formats.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities with ability to produce frameworks that assist problem-solving.
• Experience interacting with senior clients and agencies, with confidence in leading complex conversations and influencing decisions.
• Excellent creative judgment paired with keen commercial insight.
• Experience in mentoring or coaching team members.
• Comfortable navigating AI and emerging technologies, understanding where technology enhances value and where human creativity is essential.
• Ability to operate efficiently under pressure, handle ambiguity, and clarify complex challenges.

Diversity and Inclusion

Stuff is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of New Zealand’s communities. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and ages. The company upholds equal employment opportunity principles, embracing diverse backgrounds to enhance collective learning and growth.

Additional Information

Stuff does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and is not responsible for any related fees.