Chief Executive – Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Hardy Group International
THE OPPORTUNITY
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (Toi Ohomai) is one of New Zealand’s larger tertiary and vocational educational providers, with a strong regional presence across Bay of Plenty and South Waikato. It has five main campuses (Rotorua, Tauranga, Taupō, Tokoroa, and Whakatāne), plus nearly 70–80 delivery (outreach) or satellite sites throughout those regions.
Serving more than 13,000–14,000 students with over 200 programmes ranging from certificates through to postgraduate levels, Toi Ohomai delivers in fields such as business, creative arts, engineering, forestry, health and nursing, tourism, hospitality, trades and more. Toi Ohomai plays a central role in supporting local industries including forestry, agriculture/farming, tourism, energy sectors, and wider trades. It also maintains strong engagements with iwi, hapū, communities, and regional stakeholders to ensure its educational offerings align with community and industry needs.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead Toi Ohomai through a period of strategic consolidation and growth. This is an opportunity to shape the future of vocational and tertiary education in the region, ensuring financial sustainability, academic excellence, and stronger community engagement. The role offers a dynamic, hands-on leadership experience in a culturally rich and economically diverse region, ideal for a leader ready to make a tangible difference.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Board, the CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the Institute. Key priorities include:
- Driving financial sustainability: Building on recent efficiency gains, managing budgets, and identifying growth opportunities, including international education and government-funded programs.
- Academic leadership: Ensuring high-quality, vocationally focused education that meets community and industry needs, with a clear understanding of teaching, learning, and program evaluation.
- Organizational leadership: Engaging, motivating, and retaining staff after a period of restructuring and downsizing, fostering a high-performing, values-driven culture.
- Community and industry engagement: Acting as a visible, credible, and connected leader who can build strong relationships with students, staff, iwi, industries, local government, and other education providers.
- Innovation and growth: Identifying new funding streams, partnerships, and initiatives to diversify revenue and enhance the Institute’s profile across all constituencies.
The CEO will be a visible and accessible leader, regularly visiting campuses and communities, connecting with staff and stakeholders, and championing Toi Ohomai’s brand.
THE CANDIDATE
The Board seeks a proven, values-driven leader with a strong academic and vocational training background, ideally with experience in New Zealand’s tertiary education sector. The successful candidate will combine strategic insight, operational capability, and community engagement skills with the energy and drive to take Toi Ohomai to the next level.
The ideal CEO will be:
- An experienced and inspiring leader, capable of rallying staff and communities alike.
- Culturally competent, able to operate effectively in diverse iwi, regional, and industry contexts.
- Financially astute, balancing efficiency, sustainability, and growth.
- Academically credible, with experience in vocational or tertiary education, able to make informed program and curriculum decisions.
- Community and stakeholder-focused, building strong relationships with local government, industry partners, and funders.
- Innovative, with the ability to generate new revenue streams and enhance the Institute’s profile nationally and internationally.
This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role for a candidate motivated by challenge and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students and communities.
We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with David Price from the HardyGroup
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Thursday 6th November, 2025. The reference number to include in your application is H25_5287.
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
