Chief Executive Officer
Hawke's Bay
- Lead an iconic New Zealand export industry at a pivotal growth moment
- Shape market access and influence government policy with commercial impact
- Exceptional Hawke's Bay lifestyle with strong community connections
Shape The Future of New Zealand's Pipfruit Industry
This is your opportunity to lead New Zealand's apple and pear industry through extraordinary growth. NZAPI is the levy-funded body representing 300 members—from major exporters to family growers—driving market access, advocacy, and $14M in R&D.
We're seeking a visionary CEO to unlock international markets, influence government policy, and enable growers to double exports by 2030.
The Impact You'll Make
Lead an executive team (CFO, Market Access, R&D, Biosecurity, Communications) managing $4M in levy income. Based in Hawke's Bay with regular Wellington engagement, you'll represent growers to ministers, government agencies, and international markets.
Strategic leadership that matters—developing industry policy, building government relationships, and removing barriers defining our future.
What You'll Bring
- Strategic Leadership & Advocacy: Proven ability formulating strategies and making influential submissions on policy affecting the primary sector
- Political Acumen & Stakeholder Mastery: Demonstrated success engaging ministers and officials (MPI, MFAT, MBIE) whilst building consensus across diverse stakeholders—corporates to family operations and Māori growers
- Governance & Financial Management: Experience with Boards, levy-based organisations, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance
- People Leadership: Ability to lead and empower teams whilst maintaining collaborative relationships across the sector
- Communication Excellence: Confident public speaker and media performer, synthesising complex issues for audiences
About You
You're a proven leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, advocacy, and relationships. Your primary sector knowledge runs deep, you navigate Wellington with confidence, and you unite diverse stakeholders behind bold goals. Politically astute, intellectually agile, and results-oriented—this is your chance to leave a lasting legacy.