- Strong North Canterbury brand, with scope to grow revenue and range of services
- Influential role with high level of autonomy
- Lead a small and highly engaged team
Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC) is seeking an experienced and influential Chief Executive to lead the organisation’s next phase of economic development, business growth and regional promotion.
ENC is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) of the Waimakariri and Hurunui District Councils. It works in partnership with businesses, local government, iwi, community organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen North Canterbury’s economic wellbeing and tourism attractions. The region is home to more than 8,000 businesses, and ENC provides practical business services, capability-building programmes, investment support, regional promotion and initiatives that showcase what North Canterbury has to offer.
The Opportunity
This hands-on role based in Kaiapoi reports to the ENC Board of Trustees, and will provide strategic leadership, strong commercial and operational oversight, and a clear focus on achieving economic outcomes for the region.
This high-profile Chief Executive role requires strong relationships with both councils, the regional business community, and a broad range of public and private-sector partners. The Chief Executive will lead and support a small, capable team, translate strategic direction into action, ensuring ENC remains responsive to the needs and opportunities of North Canterbury’s diverse communities and businesses.
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and advice to the Board, translating agreed priorities and the Statement of Intent into effective programmes and measurable results.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team delivering business advice, economic development, marketing, tourism and regional initiatives.
- Build trusted, productive relationships with the Waimakariri and Hurunui District Councils, mayors, elected members, council chief executives, iwi, businesses and regional partners.
- Champion North Canterbury as a place to invest, establish and grow a business, while advancing initiatives that generate sustainable employment and economic value.
- Oversee delivery of business support, training, networking, start-up and investment services, including the Regional Business Programme.
- Strengthen North Canterbury’s regional identity and profile through MADE NORTH CANTERBURY and other destination and sector-development initiatives.
- Maintain effective financial, risk and operational management, ensuring ENC meets its statutory, contractual and governance obligations.
- Monitor performance and clearly report ENC’s progress and impact to the Board, councils, stakeholders and the wider community.
About you
You will be a strategic, credible and people-focused leader who can operate effectively at the intersection of business, local government and community development. You will be known for your excellent relationship building skills, bringing sound judgement, commercial acumen and a demonstrated flair to turn opportunities into practical outcomes.
Ideally, you will offer:
- Significant senior leadership experience in economic development, running a business, local government, regional development or a closely related field.
- A strong record of developing strategy and successfully leading its delivery.
- Demonstrated financial, operational, risk and people management capability.
- Excellent communication, advocacy and stakeholder relationship skills.
- A sound understanding of governance and accountability within a Council Controlled Organisation or comparable public-purpose entity.
- The ability to work constructively across organisational and district boundaries to build enduring partnerships.
You will have an affinity and genuine commitment to the communities, businesses and long-term prosperity of North Canterbury.
Why join ENC?
This is a rare opportunity to lead an established regional organisation with a strong network, clear purpose and direct influence on North Canterbury’s prosperity. You get to work alongside committed trustees and council partners, an experienced team and an engaged business community to shape sustainable economic outcomes across two growing districts.