Chief Executive – Southern Institute of Technology

HardyGroup International; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Invercargill is seeking a Chief Executive to drive strategic, operational, and financial leadership. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in tertiary education, demonstrating strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to ensure educational quality. This role requires a visible leader who can balance innovation and accountability in enhancing the institution's mission. Competitive compensation and benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Senior executive experience in tertiary education or a comparable sector.
• Proven track record of safeguarding education quality and driving financial performance.
• Ability to manage public funding and commercial revenue.

Responsibilities

• Lead SIT through the transition to an independent statutory organisation.
• Build relationships with iwi, industry, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Management

Job description

Chief Executive – Southern Institute of Technology

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive tertiary education providers, renowned for its innovative Zero Fees Scheme, strong community partnerships, and commitment to delivering high-quality vocational education. SIT plays a pivotal role in Southland’s social and economic development, while attracting students from across New Zealand and the world.

As government reforms reinstate independent Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics from 1 January 2026, SIT is entering a critical new phase. The Chief Executive will lead SIT through this transition, establishing it as a fully independent statutory organisation with robust governance, financial sustainability, academic credibility, and enduring community trust.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Establishment Advisory Group (and later to the new ITP Council), the Chief Executive will hold full responsibility for SIT’s strategic, operational, financial, and academic leadership. This includes:

Building enduring relationships with iwi, industry, community, and government.

• Safeguarding education quality and student success across all campuses.
• Driving sustainable financial performance while protecting SIT’s Zero Fees Scheme.
• Managing significant public funding, commercial revenue, and capital assets.
• Leading large-scale organisational design, workforce integration, and culture.
• Ensuring compliance with the Education and Training Act 2020, Crown Entities Act 2004, and Employment Relations Act 2000.

THE CANDIDATE

The Chief Executive will be an experienced, strategic leader, ideally with senior executive experience in tertiary education or a comparable complex, public-facing sector. They will demonstrate the entrepreneurial drive to pursue growth opportunities, the credibility to engage government and industry with influence, and the authenticity to connect with staff and community at all levels.

This is a visible, community-minded role: the Chief Executive will reside in Invercargill, engage deeply with Southland stakeholders, and honour the region’s commitment to making Zero Fees sustainable. Above all, the successful candidate will be a respected, decisive leader who can balance innovation with accountability, and ensure SIT continues to thrive as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive vocational education institutions.

We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with David Price from the HardyGroup
M. [phone] | E. [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 4th November, 2025. The reference number to include in your application is H25_5288.

Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.

Ready to make people your organisation’s greatest asset?