Chief Executive – Infrastructure

Chief Executive –Infrastructure – Industry Skills Board (ISB)

Location: Wellington (preferred)
Reports to: Chair, Establishment Advisory Group (until the ISB Board is confirmed)

Lead the Future of Vocational Education in Energy and Infrastructure in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The ISB is seeking a pragmatic Chief Executive to lead the establishment and operational delivery of a new statutory body at the heart of New Zealand’s vocational education and training system. The Infrastructure ISB will support sectors such as civil construction, water networks, electricity generation and distribution, extractives and reticulated gas to ensure that vocational education is delivering the skills that the relevant sectors and industries require in the workplace.

About the Role

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead the formal establishment and operational readiness of the ISB.
• Drive strategic direction while maintaining hands-on operational oversight.
• Build a high-performing, values-driven culture within a lean team structure.
• Ensure credibility with industry, government, Māori and iwi partners, and the wider vocational education sector.
• Navigate complex regulatory environments and lead through ambiguity and change.
• Uphold public sector governance, financial accountability, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments.

This role is both strategic and operational and it will suit a leader who thrives in complexity and ambiguity, and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves to get things done.

Who We’re Looking For

You might be an experienced Chief Executive (CE) or a proven senior leader ready for your first CE role. Either way, you will bring:

• Proven leadership in small-to-medium public or private sector organisations.
• Demonstrable links to and understanding of the energy and/or infrastructure sectors
• Understanding of New Zealand’s vocational education system and government interactions.
• A lean mindset – comfortable leading without layers of hierarchy.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, especially with industry and government.
• A track record of building culture, navigating change, and delivering results.
• An authentic communication style that builds trust and credibility across sectors.

Your First 90–180 Days

You’ll be expected to:

• Establish core systems, frameworks, and relationships.
• Ensure service continuity during the transition from predecessor organisations.
• Build a cohesive team culture and operational rhythm.
• Engage with stakeholders to position the ISB as a trusted and capable partner.

What You’ll Bring to the Board

While the Board is still forming, we’re looking for someone who can complement emerging governance capability with:

• Strategic clarity and operational discipline.
• Confidence in ambiguity and a bias for action.
• A collaborative, grounded personality that can bring strategy and structure to an evolving entity

Why this Role Matters

ISBs are a cornerstone of the vocational education reforms. This role is pivotal in ensuring that industry has a strong, credible voice in shaping qualifications, standards, and workforce planning.
If you’re passionate about creating something enduring, leading with authenticity, and making a real impact – this is your moment.

Apply Now
Join us in building a future-focused, industry-led vocational education system that delivers real outcomes for learners and employers.
Further Enquiries: Simon Boyes +64 4 550 8026
Applications close: Wednesday 1st October 2025