Executive Manager

Full-time | Permanent | Commencing January 2027

Carmel College is a vibrant state-integrated Catholic school for girls, founded in 1957 in the Mercy tradition. We are committed to empowering young women to challenge and shape their future with courage, compassion, integrity and a strong sense of justice.

We are seeking an experienced Executive Manager to provide strategic leadership across the College’s financial management, property portfolio and business operations. This is a key leadership position within the College and an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the long-term sustainability and development of Carmel College.

As an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive Manager will work closely with the Principal, Board of Trustees, Proprietor and Finance and Property Committees to ensure the College’s financial and operational resources are managed effectively, sustainably and in alignment with its strategic priorities and Catholic Special Character.

About the role

The Executive Manager will provide strategic oversight and leadership across:

• Financial leadership and management, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow, audit, statutory requirements, banking and financial controls.
• Property and capital planning, including strategic oversight of the College’s 10-Year Property Plan (10YPP), capital projects, asset renewal and long-term site development.
• Governance, compliance and risk, ensuring financial, property and business operations meet legislative, regulatory and governance requirements.
• Business operations and procurement, identifying opportunities to improve systems, efficiency, sustainability and value for money.
• People leadership, supporting and developing staff within finance, property and business support functions.
• Strategic leadership, contributing to the College’s Strategic Plan, Annual Plan and whole-school decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The role requires someone who can move confidently between strategic thinking and operational detail, provide clear and trusted advice to governance and senior leadership, and build effective relationships across the College and with external stakeholders.

About you

We are looking for a qualified and registered Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with at least five years’ relevant professional experience and a strong understanding of financial management, governance, compliance and organisational operations.

You will ideally bring:

• A recognised CA or CPA qualification and current registration/membership.
• At least five years’ relevant professional experience, preferably in a senior financial, business or operational leadership role.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, forecasting and reporting capability.
• Experience advising senior leaders and governance bodies and presenting complex financial information clearly.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, compliance, risk management and statutory requirements.
• Experience in property, capital planning, procurement or project management, or the ability to confidently lead these areas.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead people, build effective teams and develop positive working relationships.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, confidentiality and professional judgement.
• Experience working within a school or education environment would be an advantage, as would an understanding of the New Zealand education sector and Ministry of Education requirements.
• A commitment to the Catholic Special Character and Mercy values of Carmel College.

Why Carmel?

Carmel College offers the opportunity to work within a strong, values-driven community where stewardship, service, respect, justice, care and courage are central to how we work.

You will join a committed Senior Leadership Team and work alongside staff, students, whānau, the Board of Trustees and Proprietor to ensure Carmel College remains financially sustainable, well governed and well positioned for the future.

This is an opportunity for an experienced financial and business leader to make a meaningful contribution not only to the effective management of the College, but to the education and development of young women.

Applications should include a covering letter and CV outlining your experience and suitability for the position.

Applications close: When a suitable applicant has been appointed

Start date: January 2027

Carmel College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of our students and staff.