Chief Executive Officer - New Zealand Meat Board

The New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB), a statutory body responsible for administering approximately $4.2 billion of red meat quota, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence in delivering on its mandate to support the prosperity of New Zealand’s red meat industry under the Meat Board Act 2004.

Reporting directly to the NZMB Board through the Chair, the CEO will lead the organisation in setting and executing strategy, overseeing quota management, information integrity, and export registration systems. This role is responsible for ensuring NZMB delivers strong outcomes for livestock farmers through effective management of tariff rate quotas and prudent stewardship of $102 million of financial reserves.

You will work closely with the NZMB Board, the Quota & Information Manager, and key service providers including Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ). The role also maintains strong relationships with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international partners to ensure New Zealand’s quota systems remain credible, efficient, and globally respected.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a small but highly influential organisation at the centre of New Zealand’s red meat export system. The CEO will drive the delivery of strategic priorities including a cost recovery review, and strengthening sector-wide collaboration.

What we ask of you

We are seeking a proven senior leader who can demonstrate:

• Senior leadership experience, ideally in the primary sector, government, or a regulated industry.
• Strong strategic capability, with a track record of developing and implementing organisational strategy, alongside sufficient attention to detail and a focus on delivery to ensure effective execution.
• Experience in risk management, compliance, and operating within legislative frameworks.
• Experience working with Boards and sound understanding of governance and board reporting requirements.
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets, investments, and organisational performance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and foster a great culture and lead a high-performing team.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, including working with industry, government, and international partners.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g. business, economics, agriculture, or similar) are desirable.
• A good understanding of the red meat sector and export systems would be advantageous but is not essential.

Hours and location
This role is part time for 25 hours per week.  Ideally based in Wellington. You will be required to travel to represent the NZMB and participate in industry, government, and international forums as required.

What we offer
This career move places you at the forefront of one of New Zealand’s most important export industries and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact for farmers and the wider sector.

We offer a competitive remuneration package and a range of excellent benefits, along with the opportunity to lead an organisation that plays a critical role in safeguarding and enhancing the value of New Zealand’s meat exports.

You will join a purpose driven environment that values integrity, professionalism, collaboration, and strong relationships across the sector.

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Applications close: 12pm, Monday 22 June 2026.

For any queries regarding the role please contact Bridget Mcilraith, People and Culture Manager, ph: 027-220-7789 or email: bridget.mcilraith@beeflambnz.com.