Chief Executive Officer - Forestry (Management & Executives)

  Scientific & Technical Recruitment Limited

  Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Chief Executive Officer (Forestry) - Based in New Zealand

Our client is an internationally respected organisation based in Rotorua, New Zealand, focussed on providing superior pine germplasm to its shareholders and customers in Australasia.  They have established strong relationships with international research partners and their operation is centred around an extensive research and breeding programme to improve the performance of pine seeds and seedlings, to generate better returns for forest owners.

An exceptional opportunity has now arisen for a proven and experienced Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next stage of development and expansion where they are transitioning from a not for profit organisation to a successful commercial enterprise.

You will be charged with the delivery of a world-class research and development (R&D) programme. Utilizing your proven leadership and management experience, you will provide strategy and direction to research and development solutions, from inception to adoption, whilst, maintaining a flexible, entrepreneurial approach to tasks.

An important aspect of the role is to bridge relationships between the key stakeholders in the organisation, its sector partners, research partners and the government agencies across Australasia. You will focus on identifying knowledge gaps that are inhibiting progress, developing appropriate partnerships/strategies to provide solutions, design of industry relevant research and effective communication of results.

Key responsibilities of this role will include;

• Identify, develop and direct the implementation of business strategy with a vision to establish the organisation as the leader in pine tree research and development.
• Successful financial performance of the organisation.
• Work closely with research providers and actively promote and encourage innovation and enthusiastic engagement with scientists.
• Lead the establishment of national and international science linkages and collaborations.
• Manage IP to ensure any protectable, and potentially valuable, technical findings is managed to the advantage of the organisation.
• Prepare annual budgets and forecasts for approval. Monitor and control all financials against plan and update key stakeholders on progress regularly.
• Develop and implement strategic and annual business plans. Review current capabilities and implement changes where required to address future capability needs.
• Diligently maintain accurate and timely communication with key stakeholders, where, you will provide expert evaluation on the effectiveness of completed projects.
• Developing and managing relationships with key stakeholders including, shareholders, industry groups, research providers and government agencies to ensure highest level of commercial, political and scientific support for organisation's research portfolio.
• Planning and coordination of HR activities within the business such as training and development programmes, remuneration, performance management, recruitment and health and safety.

To be considered for this role, you will ideally have the following skills and attributes;

• Relevant Tertiary Qualification in Forestry/Horticulture/Agriculture or a similar field. Knowledge of plant breeding is highly desirable.
• Practical experience in the commercialisation of intellectual property;
• Proven working experience at a Senior Level within a similar sector.
• Project Management experience with the ability to plan projects well in advance, taking into account resources, deviations and deadlines.
• Strategic ability to identify issues and opportunities and develop communications solutions that deliver on business goals and values.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills at all levels of the business, whilst, consistently upholding the organisation's values and ethics.
• Intuitive and logical problem solving skills, where you are able to make informed decisions.
• Self-motivated, resilient with a 'can do' attitude where you are comfortable working autonomously.

Key to your success will be your ability to develop and maintain strong networks/relationships within the relevant scientific research community, funding partners and other key stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

Compensation

This is a pivotal role within the organisation and accordingly there is a generous remuneration package on offer with a level of flexibility around your base in North Island, New Zealand.

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