Chief Executive

JacksonStone & Partners; Waikato; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Waikato is seeking a Chief Executive to lead its re-establishment as an independent polytechnic. The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience, strong financial acumen, and a deep understanding of Māori culture and relationships. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the community while ensuring academic excellence and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated senior leadership in substantial, complex organisations.
• Expertise in optimising performance and growing capability.
• Strong understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga, and iwi relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and growth of Wintec as an independent institution.
• Secure financial sustainability and enhance academic excellence.
• Provide strategic leadership to optimise organisational performance.

Skills

Senior leadership

Financial and commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Exceptional people leadership

Relationship-building skills

Education

Experience in education sector

Job description

Overview

High-profile Waikato institution. Wintec is an innovative and future-focused polytechnic, a Waikato taonga, with around 10,000 students (including 1,000 international) and over 500 staff, delivering programmes across Hamilton City and Rotokauri campuses. Wintec has strengths in trades, health, sport science, engineering, and the creative industries, with a strong commitment to Māori achievement. Following the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, Wintec will re-emerge as a leading standalone polytechnic.

The Establishment Advisory Group is seeking a Chief Executive to lead Wintec into its next phase. The CE will re-establish Wintec as an independent institution, ensuring a smooth transition for staff, students, assets and systems, while retaining confidence in its programmes and outcomes. They will embed and enhance recent initiatives to secure financial sustainability, academic excellence, and strong connections with the Waikato community and industries served.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and growth of Wintec as an independent institution, including a smooth transition of staff, students, assets and systems.
• Embed and enhance initiatives to secure financial sustainability, academic excellence, and strong industry and community connections in the Waikato region.
• Provide strategic leadership to optimise organisational performance and grow capability across Wintec.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants will demonstrate senior leadership of substantial, complex organisations, with expertise in optimising performance and growing capability. Financial and commercial acumen, strategic thinking and Board experience are required, alongside exceptional people leadership and relationship-building skills. A strong understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga and iwi relations is essential, while education sector experience is highly desirable.

Opportunities

This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-profile polytechnic and make a lasting contribution to the Waikato region.

Applications

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Monday, 20 October 2025

APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION: www.jacksonstone.co.nz

REFERENCE: BH-11432

FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Simon Boyes on 04 550 8026 or Donna Williams on 04 550 8020