- Lead a defining new chapter for Whitireia and WelTec Institute of Technology
- Champion tertiary education, vocational pathways and workforce development strategies
- Drive significant turnaround and strategically focused growth
THE OPPORTUNITY
Whitireia and WelTec are entering a critical and exciting new chapter. From 1 January 2027, they will operate as a single, independent regional public entity.
The mandate is clear and urgent. Restore financial sustainability, operate fiscally independently and establish a platform for growth. Central to this is an enduring commitment to excellence in vocational education and training endorsed through valued partnerships with mana whenua, industry, employers, graduates and communities.
This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape the next chapter of two institutions with proud histories and distinctive identities, while future proofing a unified, sustainable and high-performing tertiary education organisation.
THE ROLE
Reporting to Council, the Chief Executive is accountable for the strategic, educational, financial and operational performance of Whitireia and WelTec.
The mandate is transformational leadership at speed and scale. Strategic thinking and execution, strong commercial judgement and decisive leadership are essential.
The Chief Executive will lead for performance across a sizeable, diverse and multi-site workforce dedicated to educational excellence and workforce development strategies.
Financial stewardship is central to the role. The Chief Executive will drive optimisation strategies and crucial cost controls, balancing fiscal discipline and risk with future opportunities for investment, partnership and growth.
The Chief Executive will build influential relationships and expansive industry networks, collaborating for regional and international advantage. They will explore opportunities for working across the tertiary education network.
They will champion practitioner-led, technology-enabled education and training, ensuring that robust academic governance, quality assurance and performance frameworks underpin educational delivery.
The Chief Executive will maintain and strengthen partnerships with mana whenua and demonstrate a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
THE CANDIDATE
Whitireia and WelTec are seeking a transformational leader with the experience, foresight and resilience to deliver the transformational mandate.
They will bring:
- Significant Chief Executive, Managing Director or equivalent experience in a large, complex organisation.
- Demonstrated success in organisational turnaround, with evidence of delivering and optimising change initiatives at speed and scale.
- Acute financial and commercial acumen, ensuring robust financial stewardship, appropriate cost controls, revenue growth and optimisation strategies.
- Strategic clarity with the ability to translate this into disciplined execution with measurable performance.
- Experience leading sizeable, diverse and multi-site workforces through significant change and integration.
- A track record of making strategic portfolio, structural, investment and resource decisions.
- A deep commitment to vocational education, industry partnerships and workforce development.
- Solid experience operating within governance, statutory and high-accountability environments.
- A respected history of partnering with mana whenua and demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
A reputation for principled, disciplined and decisive leadership, complemented by authenticity, empathy, resilience and pragmatism are key attributes required. The successful candidate will be an extraordinary leader and legacy guardian, respecting the history, identity and provenance of Whitireia and WelTec while having the dedication, skills and conviction to lead the next chapter.
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 Friday, 18th September 2026.
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5440.
Ready to make people your organisation’s greatest asset?