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New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
Applications close:
19 Nov 2026
The opportunity
The Board’s strategic direction is clear: to build on Venture Taranaki’s commercial success and grow the region through attracting funding into the Region that enables the execution of strategy to grow Taranaki
The Chief Executive will accelerate that work: attracting new investment into Taranaki, developing new revenue and funding streams, and leading complex, multi-partner projects from concept to delivery.
The work already under way is significant. The Taranaki Alliance brings together the region’s industrial capability to retain its highly skilled manufacturing and engineering workforce while securing large-scale industrial opportunities nationally and internationally. Branching Out is moving new, high-value food and fibre industries from validated trials towards commercial, investable ventures on Taranaki’s land. The Tourism strategy is focussed on developing the Regional Strategy and trade-ready products to grow the Taranaki regional tourism sector, thereby supporting the dispersal of tourism across New Zealand and into Taranaki.
As Chief Executive, you will drive this work forward, leading the organisation and its people to deliver it.
Overview
The scope of the role
The Chief Executive reports to the Chair of the Board of Trustees. The key accountabilities are:
- Identify new economic opportunities for Taranaki, build compelling investment cases, and bring together the right partners and capital.
- Strengthen Venture Taranaki’s commercial capability and diversify its funding.
- Lead the organisation through its growth phase, developing the team and capability Venture Taranaki needs to deliver its ambitions.
- Build trusted relationships with councils, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, central government, industry and business.
- Ensure sound financial management and meet Venture Taranaki’s obligations as a Council Controlled Organisation.
Success in the role will be measured by visible impact in investment, jobs and revenue.
Requirements
The person we are seeking
The Board is seeking a proven leader who identifies opportunities and turns them into tangible results. You will be able to demonstrate:
- A strong reputation in your field, and a proven history of building meaningful, trusted relationships across business, government and the community.
- Commercial leadership that has grown or scaled a venture, organisation or regional initiative, and attracted the investment and funding behind it.
- Significant outcomes achieved with lean resources, taking initiatives from concept through to delivery.
- Exceptional people leadership, with the emotional intelligence to build a strong team and develop the people you lead.
- The judgement to navigate political change and sustain trust with councils and central government.
- Location
This is a Taranaki-based leadership role, located in Ngāmotu, New Plymouth. The Chief Executive is expected to live in the region.
What we can offer you
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside industry leaders, growers, processors, manufacturers, and commercial partners to help strengthen market pathways, support stakeholder engagement, and increase visibility for emerging opportunities across Taranaki and beyond.
Who we are
As the Regional Development Agency for Taranaki, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is working to build a thriving region for all. We support local entrepreneurship and enterprises to grow, promote our region and attract visitation, talent and investment, and help to develop and establish our sectors.
Confidential enquiries
Trace Consulting is managing this appointment on behalf of Venture Taranaki. Email Tracey Soffe at trace@traceconsulting.co.nz to request a copy of the candidate information pack.
Applications close on Thursday 19 November 2026. Apply by submitting your CV and cover letter via SEEK.
