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Lead Engineering Strategy at the Heart of New Zealand Tourism

At RobLawMax Recruitment, we're proud to be exclusively partnering with RealNZ to appoint a new General Manager - Assets, a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of engineering, tourism, and environmental responsibility.

Based in Te Anau, you'll oversee a diverse and iconic portfolio of maritime vessels, coach fleets, and operational infrastructure. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of New Zealand's most respected tourism operators while enjoying the lifestyle and natural beauty of Fiordland.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Tourism Officer, you'll lead strategic asset management, engineering delivery, and capital development across RealNZ's asset base.

You'll take stewardship of the company's extensive maritime fleet, including the TSS Earnslaw, a living piece of New Zealand history and the flagship of RealNZ's operations. Alongside this, you'll manage on-road vehicles, infrastructure, and the systems that support world-class guest experiences.

This is a senior leadership role that blends operational excellence with forward-looking investment, sustainability, and innovation. You'll lead and empower a group of experienced managers and specialists across maritime, on-road, infrastructure and development fostering a high-performance culture focused on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while guiding the strategic direction of RealNZ's asset base.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and continuously improve the Asset Management Strategy for all asset classes (maritime, on-road, infrastructure)
• Lead teams managing maintenance, safety, engineering standards, and regulatory compliance
• Own and optimise use of the Maximo Enterprise Asset Management system
• Oversee delivery of capital projects including large vessel projects, electrification initiatives, and infrastructure renewals
• Champion sustainability and carbon transition in fleet and infrastructure planning
• Govern CAPEX and OPEX planning, with clear oversight on budget, procurement, and risk
• Drive a culture of safety, innovation, and operational excellence across all engineering disciplines

Who We're Looking For

This is a role for a strategic, technically grounded leader with strong asset and engineering experience, and ideally a connection to the maritime or marine engineering world.

You'll bring a proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, align asset strategy with business goals, and communicate complex technical issues with clarity. Your style is collaborative and forward-thinking, with a focus on performance, safety, and long-term sustainability.

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds a tertiary qualification in engineering, mechanical, or marine disciplines
• Has 10+ years' experience in asset-heavy or engineering leadership roles
• Understands the full asset lifecycle, including in remote or operationally demanding settings
• Brings knowledge of maritime operations, vessel maintenance, and compliance (preferred)
• Has led high-performing teams across maintenance, engineering delivery, and capital projects
• Communicates confidently with both technical teams and senior non-technical stakeholders
• Builds strong cross-functional relationships and drives collaboration across departments

Why Te Anau? Why RealNZ?

Located on the shores of Lake Te Anau and at the doorstep of Fiordland National Park, this role offers a truly unmatched lifestyle. You'll enjoy outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and a supportive local community while influencing the future of sustainable tourism infrastructure across New Zealand.

RealNZ is a purpose-driven organisation with a mission to inspire the world fall in love with conservation through extraordinary experiences. You'll join a high-trust, close-knit leadership team passionate about innovation, guest experience, and long-term value.

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead one of New Zealand's most iconic asset portfolios across land, sea, and sustainability frontiers.

For a completely confidential chat about this exciting role, call Peter Henderson on 027 441 9300 or apply here online!