Chief Executive Officer

• Lead with integrity
• Deliver transformation
• Protect public safety

The Nursing Council of New Zealand is the official statutory body that governs the nursing profession. Established under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, its primary purpose is to protect public health and safety by ensuring all practicing nurses are competent, safe, and fit to provide care.

The organisation is in a pivotal period where public trust, regulatory excellence, and organisational transformation must go hand in hand.
As we look to this future, we are seeking an accomplished Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through what will be a period of significant transformation and change. We believe this role will appeal to an authentic and values-driven leader who can build on existing strengths while balancing strategic change and the responsibility of leading one of New Zealand’s most important regulatory bodies.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of nursing regulation in New Zealand while ensuring the Council continues to fulfil its responsibilities under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act and maintain public confidence in the profession.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Council, the CEO will provide visionary leadership across the organisation as it embarks on a substantial programme of modernisation and organisational development.

The Council is committed to strengthening its systems, processes, accountability frameworks and organisational capability, to ensure it remains fit for purpose in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. The successful candidate will lead this transformation while maintaining a steadfast focus on public safety, regulatory excellence and stakeholder trust.

A key strategic initiative will be the implementation of a new leadership structure, including the establishment of a dedicated Registrar position. This role will report to the CEO for operational and organisational matters, while maintaining a direct reporting relationship to the Council on regulatory decision-making and statutory responsibilities. The CEO will play a critical role in contributing to the success of the Council’s statutory responsibilities.
 
What You Will Bring

We are looking for a leader of exceptional character who is recognised for their integrity, sound judgement and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership.
You will demonstrate:

• Proven chief executive or senior executive leadership experience in a regulatory, public sector, health, professional services or similarly complex environment.
• A track record of successfully leading significant organisational transformation, change programmes and system modernisation initiatives.
• Strong governance capability and experience working effectively with boards or governing councils.
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with operational excellence and delivery.
• Unwavering commitment to the public safety as the core business of the Council.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse groups.
• Experience strengthening organisational performance, accountability and culture.
• Exceptional communication skills and political acumen.
• A deep appreciation of the importance of independent professional regulation and public accountability.

Most importantly, you will be a leader whose values align with the Council’s purpose, demonstrating courage, transparency, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving the public interest.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with a vital role in protecting the health and safety of New Zealanders and supporting confidence in one of the country’s most trusted professions.

You will join the Council at a defining point in its journey, with the opportunity to shape its future direction, strengthen its effectiveness, and leave a lasting legacy for the nursing profession and the communities it serves.

If you are an experienced and principled leader who is motivated by purpose, accountability and transformation, we would welcome your application.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE:  Monday 23 November 2026
APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION:  www.jacksonstone.co.nz
REFERENCE:  BH-11838

FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Ben Stevenson on +64 21 101 5480 or Simon Boyes on +64 21 844 675