Chief Executive

Tennis Northern | Auckland

Lead the future of tennis across one of New Zealand's largest tennis regions.

Tennis Northern is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through an exciting period of growth, investment and transformation.

With a strong foundation, an engaged Board and a strategic refresh planned for 2027, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of tennis across Auckland’s North Shore. Working alongside clubs, Tennis New Zealand, community partners and key stakeholders, you will define the organisation's next chapter while ensuring more people are playing more tennis, more often.

This is a leadership role for someone who enjoys thinking strategically while remaining connected to the operational heartbeat of a community sporting organisation.

About Tennis Northern

Tennis Northern is one of New Zealand's largest regional tennis organisations, leading the growth and development of tennis across Auckland’s North Shore. Working alongside 26 affiliated clubs, schools, coaches, volunteers, community partners and Tennis New Zealand, Tennis Northern exists to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in tennis. From introductory programmes and community participation through to performance pathways, interclub competitions and nationally significant tournaments, we are committed to growing the game and strengthening our clubs.

Tennis Northern also owns and operates two of New Zealand's premier tennis facilities, Albany Sports Park and Forrest Hill Tennis Centre, which play a vital role in delivering programmes, competitions and events across the region.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Board, you will provide strategic leadership for Tennis Northern. A key priority will be leading the organisation through its 2027 strategic refresh, working collaboratively with the Board, staff, clubs and stakeholders to establish the long-term direction of Tennis Northern.

You will also play an integral leadership role in one of New Zealand's most exciting community sport infrastructure projects. Working alongside Badminton North Harbour and Harbour Basketball, you will help guide the development of a $25.3 million multi-sport complex at Albany Sports Park, creating a lasting legacy for community sport across the region.

While this role is primarily strategic, it also maintains oversight of Tennis Northern's operations, including two significant community facilities. As the organisation continues to grow, there is an expectation that an Operations Manager will assume responsibility for the day-to-day management of the facilities, allowing the Chief Executive to maintain a strong strategic and external focus.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead the development and implementation of Tennis Northern's strategic direction.
• Deliver the organisation's 2027 Strategic Refresh in partnership with the Board.
• Build a high-performing, values-based organisational culture.
• Build trusted relationships with clubs, Tennis New Zealand, schools, local government, funders and commercial partners.
• Identify and deliver sustainable commercial growth, including sponsorship, partnerships and grant funding.
• Provide high-quality strategic advice and reporting to the Board.
• Maintain oversight of Tennis Northern's financial sustainability and organisational performance.
• Oversee the successful operation of Albany Sports Park and Forrest Hill Tennis Centre.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of the new multi-sport complex.

These responsibilities align with the strategic leadership, governance, stakeholder, commercial and financial stewardship expectations outlined in the Position Description.

About You

We're looking for a leader who combines strategic thinking with commercial acumen and a genuine passion for community sport.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in a Chief Executive or senior executive leadership role.
• A demonstrated ability to develop and deliver strategy while leading organisational change.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial, financial and governance capability.
• Experience developing high-performing teams and organisational culture.
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with appropriate operational oversight.
• Experience within sport, recreation, membership or not-for-profit organisations will be highly regarded.

Most importantly, you'll be an authentic leader who enjoys bringing people together around a shared vision and delivering meaningful outcomes for communities.

Why Join Tennis Northern?

This is more than a CEO role—it's an opportunity to shape the future of one of New Zealand's largest regional tennis organisations.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a respected organisation with a clear purpose and strong community impact.
• Develop Tennis Northern's next strategic plan and help define the future of the game.
• Help deliver one of New Zealand's most significant community sport infrastructure projects.
• Work with an engaged Board committed to innovation and long-term sustainability.
• Make a lasting difference to thousands of players, clubs, volunteers and communities across Auckland’s North Shore.

Applications close: Friday 21 August 2026 5pm

For a confidential discussion or to request the Candidate Information Pack, please contact:

Tash Bartlett

Board Chair

Email: [email protected]