Chief Executive - Construction & Specialist Trades

JacksonStone & Partners; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Chief Executive to establish and lead a new statutory body focused on vocational education in New Zealand. This pivotal role involves strategic direction and hands-on operational oversight, aimed at shaping industry skills development. The ideal candidate has extensive leadership experience and a strong understanding of the vocational education sector, along with outstanding stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in small-to-medium organisations.
• Understanding of New Zealand's vocational education system.
• Comfortable leading without hierarchical layers.

Responsibilities

• Lead establishment and operational readiness of ISB.
• Drive strategic direction with operational oversight.
• Build a high-performing, values-driven culture.

Skills

Leadership in public or private sector

Stakeholder engagement

Cultural building

Navigating change

Authentic communication

Job description

Chief Executive – Construction and Specialist Trades – Industry Skills Board (ISB)

Location: Wellington
Type: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Chair, Establishment Advisory Group (until the ISB Board is confirmed)

About the role

The Construction and Specialist Trades ISB is seeking a visionary yet grounded 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.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a lean, agile organisation from the ground up: one that will directly influence how industry skills are developed, delivered and recognised around the country.

What you will do

• 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 ideal for an establishment leader who thrives in complexity 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’ll bring:

• Proven leadership in small-to-medium public or private sector organisations
• Understanding of New Zealand’s vocational education system and government interactions
• A lean mindset and be 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 structure
• A natural curiosity that drives continuous improvement and growth of the organisation

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 across the construction and specialist trades sectors.

If you’re passionate about creating something enduring, leading with authenticity, and making a real impact – this is your moment.

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

Further Enquiries: Nikki Franklin 027 287 9390
REFERENCE: BH-11385
Applications close: 8 October 2025