Chief Executive Officer

Infinitas; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Infinitas is seeking a chief executive officer to lead a respected not-for-profit in South Auckland that delivers high-quality early childhood education. This is a commercially minded role with a strong emphasis on strategic growth, governance, and stakeholder relationships.

You will guide a seasoned senior leadership team, drive occupancy and financial performance, and work with the board on new growth initiatives including potential acquisitions or new services.

Job description

• Lead a respected, purpose-driven organisation
• Strong foundations and room to grow
• Make a lasting difference for tamariki and whānau

• Lead a respected, purpose-driven organisation
• Strong foundations and room to grow
• Make a lasting difference for tamariki and whānau

We are working with a well-established, community-based not-for-profit in the early childhood education sector to find a chief executive officer to lead their organisation in South Auckland.

This is a great opportunity for a commercially minded leader who wants their work to mean something, and who would enjoy taking a strong, high-performing organisation into its next phase of growth.

This organisation has provided quality, affordable early childhood education to its communities for more than 70 years. It runs a network of 28 learning centres for children., employs a large team of qualified teachers and support staff, and has annual revenue of more than $20 million. Following a period of significant and successful change, it is in a strong financial position, occupancy is high and families rate it very highly.

Reporting to the board, you will lead a stable and experienced senior leadership team and take ownership of a newly developed strategic plan. You will continue to drive strong financial performance, keep a close focus on occupancy, and work with the board on future growth, whether through new services or acquisitions.

This is a role for someone who leads from the front. The organisation has a high-trust, close-knit culture, and the board is looking for a visible, hands-on leader who empowers their team, shares the credit and builds trust quickly. You will also be the organisation's public face, representing it with government, the sector and the community at a time when early childhood funding and policy are changing.

Commercial acumen is the key requirement for this role. We are looking for someone with senior leadership experience in a not-for-profit or purpose-driven organisation, and a strong track record across strategy, finance and people. Experience in education, ideally early childhood, would be an advantage but is not essential, so we are open to people from a range of sectors. A genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to working in partnership with mana whenua, whānau and diverse communities is important.

The role is based full time at the head office in South Auckland, with regular travel across the organisation's services.

This organisation is a trusted name in its community, with a clear purpose and a team that is deeply committed to it. The groundwork has been done, and the opportunity now is to build on it and shape what comes next.