Chief Executive Officer

Purpose-led organisation committed to industry impact & world-class innovation

Champion cutting-edge research and digital transformation

Key advocacy and relationship development role in the engineering sector

About the company

HERA (Heavy Engineering Research Association) is a key influencer and innovator within the heavy engineering sector, representing over 700 members in New Zealand and internationally.

It provides a combination of research, training, advisory, industry development and promotional services, ensuring that the industry is fit for purpose, sustainable and futureproofed.

With a strategic focus on driving innovation and business opportunities and strengthening its role as the voice of the industry, HERA has been successfully servicing the metals industry for nearly 50 years.

This appointment comes at an exciting phase for the organisation with growth plans for extending its research technology into the AI and Robotics space.

About the Opportunity

This role offers a unique opportunity to channel your passion and industry expertise into meaningful impact. The Chief Executive provides strategic leadership and efficient management across research, innovation, training and member services. This includes representing HERA externally and fostering close, collaborative relationships with a diverse network of stakeholders across business, research institutions and government bodies.

Developing strategies that grow the heavy engineering industry, and fostering a customer focused organisation culture will be critical for success. Building a high-performance team that fosters creative problem-solving, resilience and thought leadership will also be a key focus.

The role involves leading a portfolio of impactful initiatives such as research into AI’s application in manufacturing / engineering, high performance steel construction, sustainable steel design, training and health & safety excellence.

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have proven senior leadership experience in research, innovation or an industry association role; or from a related heavy engineering industry environment. They may be an aspiring CEO or have previous executive leadership experience in a relevant setting. Open, engaging and collaborative leadership qualities are sought, together with well-developed political and intellectual acuity.

Other skills and attributes required include :

• Strong strategic vision and ability to deliver measurable impact through research and member-related initiatives.
• A progressive, energetic and influential leadership style.
• A strong interest and understanding of the industry combined preferably with post graduate engineering or a related science degree.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated capability of working across government, academia and industry.
• A deep knowledge of heavy engineering, steel or related sectors.
• Adept at working alongside Boards while ensuring organisational effectiveness and compliance.

To apply in strict confidence now, click ‘Apply for this job’ or email your cover letter and CV to

To view the Candidate Briefing document, please click here.

For more information please phone Ian Taylor on or Rebecca Jamieson on .

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