Deputy Chief Executive & Operations Leader

He Herenga Kura; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Wellbeing focus for kaimahi hauora

Dedicated learning & development

Job summary

He Herenga Kura seeks a Deputy Chief Executive to support the CEO in delivering both strategic direction and COO responsibilities. The role has organisation-wide reach and requires leadership across kaimahi, governance, and stakeholder networks to deliver safe, affordable housing and social outcomes.

You will oversee strategic planning, risk management and continuous improvement, while embedding Te Ao Māori and Tiriti obligations in practice, reporting to the CEO and Board.

Qualifications

• At least three years’ experience in a DCE, COO or equivalent senior leadership position.
• Experience and a deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, Te Ao Māori and tikanga.
• Proven track record translating strategy into operational delivery.
• Experience building high-performing teams in complex environments.
• Strong strategic planning, financial management and analytical capability.
• Knowledge of government housing and social policy priorities.
• Political astuteness and senior stakeholder networks.
• Experience leading change through influence.
• Experience in kaupapa Māori service delivery and reo Māori kaiāako.
• Excellent written and oral communication; regulatory awareness.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership aligned to Board direction.
• Lead and coach senior leaders to deliver results and accountability.
• Drive fit-for-purpose operational plans and continuous improvement.
• Identify and mitigate organisational risk; ensure governance assurance.
• Engage with Board, government agencies, iwi, hapū, marae and partners.
• Lead change, emergency management and business continuity planning.
• Embed Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti in decision-making and practice.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Governance & risk

Change management

Te Ao Māori & Te Tiriti

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

He Herenga Kura seeks a Deputy Chief Executive to support the CEO in delivering both strategic direction and COO responsibilities. The role has organisation-wide reach and requires leadership across kaimahi, governance, and stakeholder networks to deliver safe, affordable housing and social outcomes.

You will oversee strategic planning, risk management and continuous improvement, while embedding Te Ao Māori and Tiriti obligations in practice, reporting to the CEO and Board.