Chief Executive
Christchurch, Canterbury
- Providing Inspirational Leadership in the primary sector
- Promoting the Industry and Delivering Strategy
- Canterbury based role
The New Zealand Grain & Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA) is the Canterbury-based national Industry association for the seed and grain trade with around 85 member organisations engaged in research, development, production, processing, and distribution of various seeds, including grasses, forages, vegetables, and cereals. With the vision to represent all seed and grain sectors, encourage the development of enhanced industry value chains and assist industry sustainability, the Association acts as a strong advocate and industry authority, enhancing the image and profile of the industry and providing leadership.
The New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (NZPBRA) represents plant breeders, intellectual property owners and managers of proprietary agricultural seed. The Association’s members are companies whose primary focus is the development and marketing of plant intellectual property through demonstrating the strength of research-proven standards of performance.
About The Role:
The Chief Executive plays a pivotal role in positively influencing the effectiveness and profile of the primary industry represented by the NZGSTA and NZPBRA Associations. This role is responsible for providing leadership, promoting industry development, maintaining and growing the public profile of the associations, and ensuring they have a national voice. You will manage the operations, finances and administration for NZGSTA and NZPBRA Associations and effectively lead and be an active member of the team, managing projects and delivering services.
The role is based in Templeton, on the outskirts of Christchurch and will involve travel nationwide and internationally on occasion.
The successful person will possess:
- Proven influential leadership skills, navigating the complex landscape of the primary industry
- Ideally a tertiary qualification appropriate to the role functions
- Extensive experience in public relations and high-level lobbying, with a strong track record of liaising with government agencies, international bodies and/or industry associations
- Experience proactively building and maintaining networks, creating beneficial relationships and engaging effectively with members and stakeholders, using strong communication and influencing skills
- Commercial acumen with proven skills in financial management of an organisation
- Astute planning and organisation skills
- Strategic and analytical thinking, providing thought leadership and innovative solutions to problems
- An understanding of how to drive growth and influence relevant parties, promoting effectively and professionally
- Proven people leadership skills
- Skills in leading change
- Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills, with a solution-oriented approach
- A proactive, focused and self-motivated approach to working independently, managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines as required.
Ideally, you will be passionate about the goals and objectives of NZGSTA and NZPBRA and have an appreciation of the NZ and global seed industry. Experience working with governing Executive Councils or Boards would be advantageous.