Chief Executive Officer

Job Description : CEO NEW ZEALAND · Bring your manufacturing leadership to this change management role · Seeking an entrepreneurial opportunity with exciting growth potential? · Attractive provincial, coastal location in New Zealand The Whakatane Mill is located in an idyllic, coastal New Zealand provincial town and has recently been bought by a consortium who are focused on growth and have plans for an exciting future. Currently, the marketplace in which they operate is extremely buoyant, which provides an excellent platform for an incoming CEO. To lead this growth, we are looking to meet exceptional operations leaders who are looking to advance their careers working for a highly capable, globally focussed Chair and Board. This business currently turns over around $200 million and has ambitious plans for growth, through planned capital expenditure and a change in sales strategy. The longer term future of the company could involve a merger, trade sale or an IPO, so extremely exciting times ahead. We are looking to meet qualified (technical and commercial) commercially savvy candidates who have continuous manufacturing operations leadership as their core competency set. It would be useful if you have had exposure in driving up capacity and/or setting up a new plant. We are open to considering a wide range of industries including paper board mills, packaging, refining, forestry or steel. Complementing this, you will need experience in managing a full P and L along with driving change to build a high performing culture, across a multidisciplinary team. Along with the planned capex and operational improvements, a key focus is on the customer. So, you must be comfortable managing 'top to top' customer relationships. International exposure and M and A experience are highly desired, as is an interest in commercial sustainability. Key challenges include planned capex and driving post capex sales growth along with a more customer centric approach. The future is bright, so this role will appeal to up and coming CEO's with the right blend of skills seeking that next step or more seasoned operators looking to leverage their skills in a growth sector. A competitive package is offered and while we would prefer candidates to be located in Whakatane and become part of the local community there are a number of other nearby locations which could be of appeal where the CEO could be located. Roles such as this in New Zealand are rare, so we envisage strong interest both domestically and from international candidates.

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