Head of Research

About the Role 

This is a permanent, full-time position within our Science team, ideally to be based at our offices in Paengaroa, reporting to the Chief Science Officer. 

At Comvita, science sits at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Research to design and lead our internal and external research programmes, strengthen our science leadership, and deliver research that supports our long-term growth and innovation.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership across all research activities, ensuring science delivers clear commercial value, consumer trust, and regulatory credibility.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Leading and implementing Comvita’s global, consumer-focused research strategy


• Providing science leadership across clinical trials, laboratory research, product and ingredient research, and apiary and forestry research


• Developing business cases, research roadmaps, and commercialization plans


• Informing and advising the business on science, research, regulatory, health claims, and market access considerations


• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with universities, CRIs, government agencies, funding bodies, and research providers


• Optimising research investment through effective budgeting, grant funding, and external R&D opportunities


• Ensuring all research is executed to the highest standards and in line with GMP, GLP, and relevant regulatory requirements


• Representing Comvita at national and international conferences and through scientific publications

What we would like from you 

• A Master’s or PhD in a science or clinical discipline


• 10+ years’ senior experience in science or research leadership roles within food, dietary supplement, medical device, or related industries


• Proven experience designing, managing, and delivering high-quality research programmes and clinical studies


• Commercial acumen, including experience building business cases, managing budgets, and negotiating partnerships


• Excellent communication skills, with confidence engaging audiences


• A track record of successful collaboration with academic institutions, research organisations, and funding bodies


• Strong understanding of global regulatory, health claims, and market access requirements

Working with us  

At Comvita, you will be part of a purpose-driven business with a proud legacy and a bold future. You will have the opportunity to make a real impact on the safety and wellbeing of our people while working in a supportive, values-led environment.

We offer competitive remuneration, and benefits including:

• An opportunity to join a team who are passionate about doing business in a way where people and bees can thrive together in harmony.  


• Birthday leave – a paid day off for your birthday every year 

• Private health insurance – add your family members at a discounted rate

• Life and trauma insurances 

• Frequent supply of Comvita products 

• Increased KiwiSaver employer contribution of 4% 

• Additional family benefits such as enhanced parental leave allowances 

Ready to apply? 

If you think you would be a great fit for our team, submit your application here with your CV and cover letter. Note: We kindly ask that you submit a cover letter written in your own words, as we are already quite familiar with the tone and structure of AI-generated letters. After all, we are looking to hire a person, not AI, and getting a sense of who you are really matters to us. Give us something only a real human (like you!) could write. 

Comvita’s Commitment to Ethical Employment Practices 

Comvita is committed to upholding the rights of young workers and ensuring that child labour has no place in our operations or supply chain. We do not employ individuals under the age of 18 and strictly prohibit anyone under 18 from performing work that may involve hazardous conditions or materials. 

We do not tolerate the use of child labour or forced labour in any part of our business or among our suppliers. No child is to be involved in the production of our products or in the provision of materials or services to Comvita. 

This commitment reflects our core values and our responsibility to support safe, fair, and ethical working conditions across all aspects of our business. 

Comvita is an organisation which is committed to well-being, diversity and equity. We celebrate diversity and nurture belonging within our global team. We welcome diversity of people, ideas, talents and experiences. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us so we can support you through your recruitment journey.