Head of Forestry | Competenz

Lead the future of forestry workforce development in New Zealand

Competenz is looking for an experienced and highly connected Head of Forestry to lead the growth, performance and future direction of their Forestry portfolio.

This is a leadership opportunity for someone who knows the New Zealand forestry industry, understands its workforce challenges and opportunities, and has the credibility to build strong relationships across employers, industry bodies and key stakeholders.

Reporting to the GM Learner & Employer Experience, you will lead the Forestry portfolio to ensure it remains industry-led, commercially sustainable and closely aligned with the changing needs of New Zealand's forestry sector.

The opportunity

As Head of Forestry, you will be the senior Competenz representative within the forestry sector and play an influential role in shaping how workforce development and work-based learning respond to industry needs.

You will lead the Forestry Regional Management team, build trusted relationships across the sector and work closely with the Forestry Training Committee, Industry Skills Board, major employers and industry stakeholders.

A key part of the role will be understanding what is happening across forestry, from workforce and regulatory changes through to emerging technologies and capability requirements, and turning those insights into practical strategies, programmes and opportunities for growth.

What you will be responsible for

You will take ownership of the strategic and commercial performance of the Forestry portfolio, including:

• Developing and delivering the Forestry Portfolio Plan and achieving targeted learner and performance outcomes.
• Identifying opportunities to grow learner numbers, strengthen employer relationships and improve portfolio performance.
• Maintaining oversight of the Forestry opportunity pipeline and identifying emerging opportunities and risks.
• Leading and coaching Regional Managers and supporting Account Managers to strengthen customer engagement and performance.
• Building a strong partnership with the Forestry Training Committee and trusted relationships with the Industry Skills Board, major employers and other industry stakeholders.
• Representing Competenz at industry forums and contributing to workforce development discussions.
• Working with industry and internal product teams to ensure forestry qualifications, programmes, micro-credentials and learning pathways remain relevant.
• Leading the continued development of the Forestry service model and driving improvements in learner outcomes and customer satisfaction.
• Providing leadership around quality and compliance, including TEC, NZQA and organisational requirements.
• Leading continuous improvement and change across the Forestry team.
• Promoting a strong health and safety culture, particularly for employees operating in higher-risk forestry environments.

About you

This isn't a role for someone who has simply worked alongside forestry. Strong, credible forestry industry experience is essential.

You will bring:

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in the forestry industry.
• At least three years' senior leadership experience within forestry.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Forestry, Business, Management or a related discipline.
• Strong relationships and credibility with employers and industry stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success improving business performance, customer outcomes or portfolio growth.
• Strong commercial awareness and an ability to identify and develop growth opportunities.
• Proven leadership capability, including coaching and influencing others.
• Excellent relationship management, presentation and negotiation skills.
• The ability to turn industry insights into practical business improvements.
• A collaborative, pragmatic and outcomes-focused leadership style.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and sound judgement.

Knowledge of New Zealand's vocational education and work-based learning environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to have an impact beyond the performance of a single business.

You will be working at the intersection of industry, employers, learners and workforce development, helping ensure forestry businesses have access to the skills and capability they need for the future.

You'll have the opportunity to influence portfolio strategy, industry engagement, programme development and service delivery while leading a team focused on achieving better outcomes for learners and employers.

You'll also contribute as a senior member of the Competenz management team, bringing the forestry industry's perspective into wider organisational strategy and decision-making.

About Competenz

Their strategic intent is simple: World-class skills for New Zealand industry.

How they work is equally important:

Explore ideas – embrace the new.
Team up – unite and share.
Make it happen – own the outcome.

If you have built your career in forestry, understand the people and businesses that make the sector work, and are ready to use that experience to influence its future workforce capability, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply now to become Competenz's next Head of Forestry.