THE OPPORTUNITY
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is entering its next chapter as a fully independent Institute of Technology and Polytechnic, with a strong platform of regional support and visibility across the Nelson–Tasman–Marlborough region. NMIT is deeply connected to its communities and enjoys significant engagement from iwi, industry, councils, employers, and education partners who see the Institute as central to the region’s future workforce, skills development, and prosperity.
Central to this opportunity is NMIT’s commitment to working in partnership with Ngā Iwi o Te Tauihu, and to giving meaningful effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi across its strategy, decision-making, and delivery.
Emerging from sector reform, NMIT now has the opportunity to rethink and reshape traditional ITP operating models. The Chief Executive will play a pivotal role in innovating new approaches that deliver durable educational quality, financial sustainability, and meaningful regional impact, while maintaining excellence in academic governance and public accountability.
At the same time, NMIT faces a clear mandate for growth and innovation. This includes delivering international student growth, rationalising its campus footprint, refreshing its digital infrastructure, and ensuring that specialist facilities across aquaculture, aviation, viticulture, health, creative industries, trades, and technology remain sector-leading.
This is an opportunity to lead a complex, multi-campus organisation of scale, while remaining highly visible and connected in a region known for its strong sense of community and collaboration. This is not a business-as-usual leadership role.
THE ROLE
The Chief Executive carries full responsibility for establishing and leading NMIT as a financially sustainable, academically credible, and socially responsive public institution. Reporting to the NMIT Council, the Chief Executive will oversee academic quality, financial performance, workforce planning, asset management, and public accountability.
A key priority of the role is to build and sustain strong, trusted partnerships with Ngā Iwi o Te Tauihu, ensuring that NMIT’s strategy, decision-making, and delivery align with iwi aspirations for learners, whānau, and the wider region, and reflect a genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
A critical early responsibility will be the development of the institution’s first three-year strategic plan, with a focus on:
- Optimising the programme portfolio to meet demand and create clear pathways
- Rationalising the campus footprint under a capital development and asset management plan
- Designing and implementing an international strategy that delivers sustainable student growth
- Building on NMIT’s strong regional profile and support to sustain and grow trusted relationships with industry, employers, councils, schools, and community organisations.
- Delivering a digital infrastructure refresh without operational cost overruns
The Chief Executive will lead multi-layered leadership teams, provide advice and support to the Council, and represent NMIT in national and international forums.
THE CANDIDATE
This role requires an experienced executive leader with a track record of success in large, complex organisations, ideally in tertiary education or the wider public sector. Candidates will bring:
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with operational performance, ensuring both long-term sustainability and day-to-day delivery
- Exceptional financial acumen, including managing public funding, commercial revenue, and capital assets
- Experience leading organisational transformation, including workforce planning, culture building, and digital change
- Demonstrated capability to build and sustain trusted partnerships with iwi and Māori, alongside strong credibility with industry leaders, councils, employers, and community stakeholders
- A clear commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to embed this in organisational leadership and practice
- Demonstrated success in international education strategy and student growth, with an ability to diversify markets and ensure compliance
- A visible, values-led leadership style that builds trust with staff, students, iwi, industry, and the wider community.
For ambitious, high-performing leaders, this role offers the scope to influence at both regional and national levels, backed by a supportive community, with the lifestyle benefits of Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough – a region renowned for its sunshine, natural beauty, and collaborative business environment.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
David Price
HG National Manager, New Zealand
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Monday, 27 April 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5286.
