General Manager - The Diversity Agenda

About the organisation

The Diversity Agenda is more than a leadership opportunity; it is a sector-wide effort to build industries where inclusion is the norm and everyone can succeed now and in the future. Its focus is on reducing pay gaps, broadening leadership representation, and ensuring workplaces better reflect the diversity and energy of Aotearoa New Zealand.

This award-winning diversity and inclusion programme is delivered in partnership by Te Ao Rangahau Engineering New Zealand, the Association of Consulting and Engineering New Zealand, and Te Kāhui Whaihanga the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

The programme’s purpose is to strengthen more inclusive professions so they better mirror Aotearoa New Zealand, uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and create environments where people feel safe, respected, and able to thrive. Through the Accord and wider sector initiatives, it brings together leaders committed to practical, measurable change built on accountability and collective impact.

The opportunity

The organisation is seeking an experienced and influential General Manager to guide The Diversity Agenda and expand its reach and effectiveness across the sector. This role offers the chance to lead one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant DEI movements and work with industry leaders to drive long-term change.

As General Manager, you will serve as a visible and trusted voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion across engineering and architecture. You will collaborate closely with industry leaders, Governance Partners, and a Steering Group to build a unified movement and help drive structural change.

You will also lead the sector strategy, strengthen membership and partnerships, and ensure the programme remains operationally and financially sustainable. Reporting to the Chief Executive of ACE New Zealand, you will be responsible for strategy delivery and for keeping the programme relevant, effective, and sustainable over time.

What you will bring

You are a credible, strategic leader who combines commitment to inclusion with a practical approach to delivery. You bring the ability to influence at senior levels, work across complex stakeholder groups, and turn insight into action.

The role calls for a relevant tertiary qualification such as business, HR, communications, public policy, or a similar field, or comparable experience. You should also have substantial senior leadership experience in a similar role, including strategic advice and delivery to broad audiences, engagement with senior leaders, evidence-based planning, and strong stakeholder management.

Experience in shaping and delivering strategy with executive stakeholders and volunteers is essential, as is a strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the workplace issues that shape modern organisations. You will ideally have experience growing programmes, partnerships, or change initiatives in complex governance settings such as boards or steering groups.

In addition, you will be an assured communicator, a skilled relationship builder, and a collaborative leader who can handle differing viewpoints and difficult conversations with care. Sound judgement, pragmatism, comfort with ambiguity, and a genuine drive to create more equitable professions are also important.

What is on offer

The organisation offers flexibility tailored to individual needs, 5 weeks of annual leave, and up to 3 organisational days. Additional benefits include a pro-rated wellness benefit, a phone allowance, and wellbeing support such as confidential counselling.

You will also have opportunities to participate in values-led initiatives across partner organisations, including the Neurodiversity Initiative, waiata practice, rainbow community activities, and te reo Māori learning.

The organisation is committed to accessibility, equity, and inclusion, and workplace adjustments can be arranged to support kaimahi. Candidates are encouraged to share any barriers or support needs that could help them participate fully in recruitment.

Application details

Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter that explain the experience, values, and motivation they would bring to leading this award-winning movement for change. Applications close at 9.00am on Monday 20 July 2026.

For a confidential discussion or to request the position description, contact John Keith on 021 205 3252 or john.keith@talentinternational.com, or Katie Kemp on 021 928 232 or katie.kemp@talentinternational.com.

Only candidates with the legal right to live and work in New Zealand at the time of application can be considered.