Chief Executive - Food & Fibre

OverviewChief Executive – Food and Fibre - Industry Skills Board (ISB).

Reporting to : Chair, Establishment Advisory Group (until the ISB Board is confirmed).

Lead the Future of Vocational Education in New Zealand's food and fibre sectors.

The newly established Food and Fibre ISB is seeking a dynamic and experienced executive to lead its formation and drive strategic and operational success.About the ISBISBs are statutory bodies created to provide industry-led leadership within New Zealand's vocational education and training system.

From 1 January 2026, ISBs will assume responsibility for developing and approving qualifications and standards across key industry sectors.

The Food and Fibre ISB will play a pivotal role in ensuring vocational education delivers the skills industry needs.The RoleAs Chief Executive, you will : Lead the establishment and operational readiness of the ISB.Ensure a seamless transition from predecessor organisations Workforce Development Councils and Te Pukenga.Oversee qualifications development, programme endorsement, workforce planning, and investment advice.Build trusted relationships across industry, government, Maori and Pacific partners.Uphold statutory obligations, financial stewardship, and organisational culture.Deliver against strategic priorities and key performance indicators set by the Board.This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic vision and operational execution within a lean, agile team structure.About YouYou will bring : Proven experience leading small-to-medium public or private sector entities with statutory accountabilities.Deep understanding of New Zealand's vocational education system and its regulatory frameworks.Strong financial management and public accountability expertise.A demonstrated ability to lead within flat organisational structures.Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and engagement with Maori and Pacific communities.Exceptional stakeholder engagement and governance advisory skills.You will be resilient, analytical, and outcome-focused, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive change.Additional RequirementsMust meet legal eligibility under the Crown Entities Act 2004 and the Education and Training Act 2020.Subject to Police vetting and a declaration of any conflicts of interest.Willingness to travel nationally and work flexible hours as required.Join us in building a future-focused, industry-led vocational education system that delivers real outcomes for learners and employers.Application DetailsApplications close : 1 October 2025Apply or view the position description : : BH-11384Further enquiries : Ben Stevenson on

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