Chief Executive – Education New Zealand

• Lead a Crown agent at the centre of one of New Zealand’s most strategically important export sectors
• Shape the future growth, reputation and global impact of New Zealand’s international education system
• Operate at the intersection of government policy, international markets, sector leadership and organisational performance

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a rare opportunity to lead Education New Zealand│Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) at a defining moment for New Zealand’s international education system. International education is a cornerstone of the Government’s economic growth agenda, delivering significant export revenue, supporting jobs and skills, strengthening global relationships, and attracting and retaining global talent for Aotearoa New Zealand.

As a Crown agent operating under the Education and Training Act 2020, ENZ plays a unique system collaborator role. It is a small but highly influential organisation with a global footprint, responsible for raising awareness of New Zealand as a study destination, influencing international student choice, and enabling sustainable growth across the sector. ENZ works closely with education providers, NZ Inc partners, Ministers and agencies, offshore governments and international stakeholders to deliver high-impact outcomes in priority markets.

The Chief Executive will lead ENZ through its next phase of delivery, advancing the Government’s ambition to more than double the value of international education exports by 2034, while ensuring the sector grows in a way that is high quality, resilient, equitable and aligned to New Zealand’s long-term interests.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Board and working closely with the Minister and Crown Monitors, the Chief Executive is responsible for the overall leadership, performance and stewardship of ENZ. This includes setting strategic direction, translating Government policy and ministerial expectations into measurable outcomes, and ensuring strong organisational capability, financial discipline and risk management.

The role requires confident leadership across a complex stakeholder environment. The Chief Executive will build and maintain trusted relationships with Ministers, central agencies, education providers, iwi, NZ Inc partners and international counterparts, positioning ENZ as a credible system collaborator and strategic influencer. Representing New Zealand’s international education interests domestically and offshore is a core aspect of the role, requiring sound judgement, diplomacy and the ability to navigate competing priorities constructively.

Internally, the Chief Executive will foster a high-performing, values-led organisation. Leading a globally dispersed workforce, they will advance the collective impact of a proven leadership team, strengthen organisational systems and delivery capability, and role-model ENZ’s Ngā Manapou values in all aspects of leadership and decision-making. A strong commitment to wellbeing, safety and inclusive leadership is fundamental.

THE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be a senior executive with a strong track record of leading complex, purpose-driven organisations in public sector, education, or internationally focused environments. They will command respect through experience, composure and well-considered advice in complex, high-accountability settings, and bring the personal presence and credibility to engage confidently at senior levels. They will bring the credibility to operate at Chief Executive level with Boards, Ministers and senior officials, and the strategic capability to translate vision into delivery in a politically and commercially nuanced context.

They will be recognised as a collaborative and confident leader who can engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, exercise sound judgement under pressure, and lead through complexity and change. Cultural competence and a genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi are essential, alongside the ability to strengthen organisational capability in Te Ao Māori and build strong, respectful relationships with Māori partners.

Ideally, candidates will bring familiarity with New Zealand’s education system, international engagement, marketing or global trade environments, though this may be gained across a range of sectors. Above all, ENZ is seeking a values-driven Chief Executive who can balance ambition with stewardship, grow impact while maintaining trust, and lead with integrity on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:

David Price
​National Manager, New Zealand
​M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 1 February 2026

The reference number to include in your application is H25_5343.