Head of Engagement, Events and Communications

The New Zealand Merino Company; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wool supplier in Christchurch is seeking an experienced Head of Engagement, Events and Communications to enhance stakeholder relationships and drive strategic initiatives. This role requires a strong background in communications, with over 10 years of experience in stakeholder engagement and a leadership role. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in marketing or business and have a deep understanding of the wool industry. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the company’s narrative and strengthen its global presence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in stakeholder engagement or communications roles.
• 5+ years experience in a people leadership role.
• Led the design, planning and delivery of large scale multi stakeholder events.
• Understanding of the wool, fashion or textile industry.

Responsibilities

• Build deep, values-aligned relationships across the supply chain.
• Drive stakeholder retention through purposeful connection.
• Deliver clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across channels.
• Position the company as a global leader by securing media coverage.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Event planning

Brand storytelling

Education

Degree in marketing / communications and/or business

Job description

Introduction: Formed in 2001, The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is much more than a wool company - we’re about weaving together a sustainable future and making a real impact on the world. We are an ambitious team of purpose-driven trailblazers, dedicated to delivering premium wool globally while championing innovation and ethical practices every step of the way. With our sights set on the future, we’re looking for an experienced to join our team and help us deliver our strategy and be the world’s number one supplier of premium wool.

The Role

We’re looking for a strategic and creative leader to drive how NZM connects with its stakeholders, from growers and brand partners to internal teams and media. This role leads the design and delivery of values-led engagement initiatives, standout events, and compelling communications that build trust, loyalty, and advocacy. You’ll shape NZM’s voice across channels, elevate our storytelling, and help position us as a global leader in ethical wool supply chains.

As the Head of Engagement, Events and Communications you will:

• Build deep, values-aligned relationships across the supply chain, particularly with growers and brand partners, ensuring long-term loyalty, trust, and advocacy.
• Drive stakeholder retention through purposeful connection, designing and overseeing engagement initiatives that foster meaningful, two-way communication and strengthen stakeholder commitment to NZM’s ambition and commercial success.
• Deliver clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across internal and external channels, reinforcing NZM’s brand, purpose, and leadership in wool.
• Position the company as a global leader by securing media coverage, crafting strategic narratives, and elevating executive and brand storytelling.

The Person

• Degree in marketing / communications and /or business
• 10+ years in stakeholder engagement or communications roles
• 5+ years experience in a people leadership role
• Led the design, planning and delivery of large scale multi stakeholder events
• Understanding of the wool, fashion or textile industry