Chief Executive – Environmental Services Sector

• Flexible location across Central North Island & Bay of Plenty regions
• Shape a new business from the ground up
• Lead a plant into full commercial operation
• Drive a major business integration through growth phase

About the Company

Operating within New Zealand's environmental services sector, our client specialises in the safe, compliant handling and destruction of hazardous waste materials. Currently moving from plant commissioning into full commercial operation, our client is preparing to integrate an environmental recovery unit, positioning the combined group for future growth in the wider waste management and environmental services space.

The business is recognised for the strong compliance and regulatory standards required to operate in this space, its close engagement with regulators and its commitment to low environmental impact.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board this newly created executive role carries overall strategic, operational and financial responsibility for our client's waste disposal business. The appointee will take the plant through its final stages of commissioning and into steady-state operation, while leading the practical work of bringing a second business unit into the fold, building the systems, structure and culture needed to support the organisation as it scales.

Success in this role will depend on effective stakeholder management with regulatory authorities and the appointee’s ability to identify and develop new revenue streams as the business grows. Equally important will be championing a strong safety and environmental culture across both sites and bringing people along through change with empathy and vision.

About You/Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will bring a qualification in chemical engineering, environmental science or a related discipline combined with a minimum of ten years' senior leadership experience in an industrial, chemical, waste management, environmental services or otherwise regulated setting.

A strong technical grounding is essential, with the ability to understand on-site chemical reactions, assess emissions risk with confidence, and provide credible leadership through plant commissioning and into stable operation.

The appointee will have operated at General Management or Executive Leadership level with full financial and operational accountability and bring genuine commercial acumen and a track record of identifying and developing new revenue streams. Experience managing a plant commissioning or start-up operation will be highly valued, together with the ability to build compliance platforms and formal governance frameworks within a growing business.

A demonstrated ability to lead organisational change, whether through business integration or workforce transition, is essential, as is a track record of building credible, lasting relationships with regulators and government stakeholders.

To apply in strict confidence now, click ‘Apply for this job’ or email your cover letter and CV in a PDF format wherever possible to [email protected] quoting 9082NIsk. Applications close on 21 September 2026. Emails will be electronically acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email.

For more information please phone Rebecca Jamieson on [+64 021 983 176](tel:+64 021 983 176) or Tash Wilson [+64 021 448 648](tel:+64 021 448 648).