Chief Executive – Food & Fibre

• Shape the future of vocational education
• Collaborate with Industry at the Core
• Drive Innovation and Equity in Training Delivery

 
Chief Executive – Food and Fibre – Industry Skills Board (ISB)

 
Reporting to: Chair, Establishment Advisory Group (until the ISB Board is confirmed)

Lead the Future of Vocational Education in Food and Fibre

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of vocational education in New Zealand’s food and fibre sectors? The newly established Food and Fibre (ISB) is seeking a dynamic and experienced executive to lead its formation and drive its strategic and operational success.

About the ISB

ISBs are statutory bodies created to provide industry-led leadership within New Zealand’s vocational education and training system. From 1 January 2026, ISBs will assume responsibility for developing and approving qualifications and standards across key industry sectors. The Food and Fibre ISB will play a pivotal role in ensuring vocational education delivers the skills industry needs.

The Role

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead the establishment and operational readiness of the ISB.
• Ensure a seamless transition from predecessor organisations Workforce Development Councils and Te Pūkenga.
• Oversee qualifications development, programme endorsement, workforce planning, and investment advice.
• Build trusted relationships across industry, government, Māori and Pacific partners.
• Uphold statutory obligations, financial stewardship, and organisational culture.
• Deliver against strategic priorities and key performance indicators set by the Board.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic vision and operational execution within a lean, agile team structure.

About You

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading small-to-medium public or private sector entities with statutory accountabilities.
• Deep understanding of New Zealand’s vocational education system and its regulatory frameworks.
• Strong financial management and public accountability expertise.
• A demonstrated ability to lead within flat organisational structures.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and engagement with Māori and Pacific communities.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and governance advisory skills.

You will be resilient, analytical, and outcome-focused, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive change.

Additional Requirements

• Must meet legal eligibility under the Crown Entities Act 2004 and the Education and Training Act 2020.
• Subject to Police vetting and a declaration of any conflicts of interest.
• Willingness to travel nationally and work flexible hours as required.

Join us in building a future-focused, industry-led vocational education system that delivers real outcomes for learners and employers.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1 October 2025
REFERENCE: BH-11384
FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Ben Stevenson on 021 101 5480