CEO

Commercially minded  |  Connected  |  Business focused
This is a  leadership role for a commercially minded community builder who loves meeting people, building connections and making things happen

The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce leads the support, development and promotion of the Hutt Valley business sector – not just for those based in the Hutt Valley, but for all those engaged, employed, supplying, purchasing from and working in the Hutt Valley business community.

We are looking for a CEO who genuinely enjoys people and business. Someone who is curious about what makes local businesses tick, wants to understand the challenges they face and is constantly looking for ways the Chamber can connect people, create opportunities and help businesses succeed.

This is not a purely office-based leadership role. The successful candidate will be happiest out meeting members, visiting businesses, attending events, sitting down with business owners, and building relationships with local and central government.

The Chamber has developed a strong reputation in the community through initiatives including:

• Hutt Valley Manufacturing and Innovation Expo
• The 2 Degrees Wellington Region Business Excellence Awards
• Women in Business Events
• Education to Employment work
• The launch of 35 by 35 – the 10-year roadmap for growth in the Hutt Valley

A small but energised team is in place with well-defined roles and considerable support from the business community and stakeholders, including a commercially focused President and committed Board.

The opportunity:
A major part of your role will be getting out into the business community – meeting members, understanding their businesses and challenges, identifying opportunities and connecting them with people who can help.

• Building strong relationships with local businesses through regular face-to-face engagement, understanding their needs and ensuring the Chamber is providing genuine value.
• Business development and membership growth, identifying opportunities to grow the Chamber’s membership, partnerships, sponsorship and commercial activities.
• Building the Chamber’s profile and influence as the trusted voice of business and a credible source of business comment and advice.
• Representing business to local and central government, developing strong senior-level relationships and advocating for policies, investment and initiatives that support economic growth.
• Identifying and maintaining strategic relationships across business, government, tertiary education, community organisations and other stakeholders.
• Leading the continued growth, sustainability and success of the Chamber.
• Providing leadership and support to a small, professional and capable team.

About you: This role will suit someone who is commercially minded, naturally curious about people and businesses, and motivated by making connections.

You will ideally have a strong background in commercial management, account management, business development or a similar relationship-focused role.

You understand how businesses operate because you have worked closely with business owners and decision makers.

Importantly, you will:

• Genuinely enjoy meeting people and developing relationships.
• Be interested in local businesses – what they do, what they need and what challenges they face.
• Be a natural connector, spotting opportunities to introduce people and create mutually beneficial relationships.
• Have a strong commercial and business-development mindset, with a track record of identifying and pursuing opportunities.
• Be confident engaging with business owners, CEOs, elected representatives, government officials and other senior stakeholders.
• Have strong communication skills and be comfortable representing business publicly as well as speaking at events.
• Be comfortable working independently and proactively, while also leading and supporting a small team.
• Have a genuine commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Hutt Valley and its business community.

You don't need to be the loudest person in the room. In fact, this role may particularly suit someone who is thoughtful, curious and a good listener – someone who builds relationships by taking a genuine interest in people rather than simply working a room.

What matters most is that you like people, like business and like connecting the two.

Why this role? This is an opportunity to play a significant role in the Hutt Valley business community.

You will have the autonomy to build relationships, develop new opportunities, influence economic development and work with business and government leaders on issues that matter to the region.

If you are someone who would rather spend a day meeting five business owners than sitting behind a desk, enjoys making introductions, spotting opportunities and turning conversations into action, this could be the role for you.

This is a fun, rewarding and dynamic leadership opportunity with the chance to make a genuine difference to businesses across the Hutt Valley.

Salary: From $170,000 plus bonuses
Location: Lower Hutt
Applicants: You must be a New Zealand resident to apply.
For more information, contact Sarah Wilson on [022 155 6921](tel:022 155 6921) or apply online.