Chief Executive Officer

Great People Recruitment; Cambridge; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

NZTBA in Cambridge seeks a dynamic Chief Executive to lead the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. You will steer strategy, governance and day-to-day operations while representing breeders at regional and national levels.

Reporting to the Council, you will travel regularly to events, advocate on policy, oversee education programs and scholarships, and build relationships with government, industry bodies and partners to sustain growth and public confidence in the industry.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience with strategic direction and operational oversight.
• Strong commercial and financial capability, including budgets and forecasting.
• Excellent communicator with ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Understanding of industry change, welfare, sustainability and public confidence.
• Willingness to travel regularly and work weekends for events.

Responsibilities

• Lead NZTBA with strategic and day-to-day operational oversight.
• Represent breeders at regional and national levels and engage with stakeholders.
• Oversee education programs and scholarships and promote industry development.
• Travel regularly for events and advocate on policy issues affecting the industry.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic direction

Finance & budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Xero

Job description

About NZTBA

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (NZTBA) was established in 1949 and proudly represents and advocates for New Zealand breeders on a wide range of national and international issues. Our purpose is to encourage, promote, advance and support all matters relating to the production and improvement of the Thoroughbred horse while protecting and advancing the interests of New Zealand breeders.
Based in Cambridge, NZTBA is recognised as an important contributor to New Zealand's rural economy and internationally respected thoroughbred industry. Our work spans breeder advocacy, government and industry engagement, equine welfare, sustainability, biosecurity, education, scholarships, industry development, member services and the administration of recognised industry programmes, including the NZB Insurance Pearl Series. We also produce the annual NZ Stallion Register and support initiatives that help strengthen the future of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry.

The Opportunity

As our current CEO moves into a senior industry position, we are seeking a new CEO to continue the strong work already underway and bring their passion for the industry and a new perspective to lead our association.

Reporting to an experienced and highly engaged Council, this is a varied and influential leadership role where no two weeks are the same. One week may involve visiting members on farms, attending industry events, engaging with government agencies and industry bodies, leading strategic projects, or travelling to Wellington to represent breeders' interests on important policy and industry matters.

As CEO, you will represent breeders at both a regional and national level, advocate on issues affecting members and ensure the Association continues to deliver value to its membership while remaining financially strong.

You will lead a small, capable team from our Cambridge office and work closely with Council, members and industry stakeholders to ensure NZTBA continues to grow its influence and relevance. This role combines strategic leadership with operational management, requiring someone who is equally comfortable developing future plans while remaining connected to the organisation's day-to-day activities.

The Experience You Bring

Success in this role will come from earning the confidence of breeders, understanding the issues affecting the industry and balancing strategic thinking with practical action.

You will bring:

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to provide strategic direction while maintaining oversight of operations.
• Strong commercial and financial capability, including budgets, forecasting, financial reporting, business planning, profit and loss responsibility and confidence using accounting and business systems, ideally including Xero.
• A natural communicator and people person with a proven ability to build rapport and nurture positive relationships with stakeholders and all connections with confidence across all channels of communication.
• An understanding of industry change, animal welfare, sustainability, social licence considerations and the importance of maintaining public confidence in the thoroughbred industry.
• Experience navigating complex or sensitive issues with sound judgement, diplomacy and professionalism.
• A passion for supporting education, scholarships and the development of future industry talent.
• Strong organisational skills, adaptability and a practical, hands-on approach that thrives in a varied leadership role.

Industry knowledge is required. Applicants with an understanding of thoroughbred breeding and racing, or proven leadership ability in a similar environment, will be well placed to quickly establish credibility and contribute to important industry conversations. This role will involve regular travel and attendance at weekend events, such as race meetings.

Why Join NZTBA?

This is an opportunity to lead a well-respected organisation at a time when the thoroughbred industry continues to undergo change and presents new opportunities. You will have the chance to influence issues that matter to breeders while helping ensure the industry remains strong for future generations.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead a respected national organisation with a proud history and strong industry reputation.
• Influence policy, advocacy and initiatives that help shape the future of New Zealand breeding.
• Build relationships with breeders, industry leaders, government agencies and commercial partners across New Zealand.
• Champion education, scholarships and programmes that develop future industry talent.
• Support initiatives that strengthen equine welfare, sustainability and the long-term future of the industry.
• Enjoy a highly varied role that combines leadership, governance, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, finance and operational management.

This role will close on Sunday 20th September 2026.

Only applicants with the right to live and work in NZ will be considered for this position.