The role | Te tūranga Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington (WPEW) is seeking an experienced and collaborative Chief Operating Officer | Ringatohu Rangatōpū to lead our Operations and Learning teams. Reporting to the Chief Executive | Tumu Whakarae, you’ll oversee up to seven direct reports and be responsible for all aspects of corporate services, including finance, people and culture, facilities, IT, risk management, and project management.
The nature of the position | Te āhua o te tūranga As a key member of our Executive Leadership Team, you’ll drive organisational performance and culture, manage risk, and enable the achievement of our new Strategic Plan. You’ll champion best practice across finance, HR, compliance, and operational management, while fostering positive relationships with Wellington City Council, external partners, and our multi-site teams.
Essential skills and experience | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako We’re looking for an experienced executive who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments. Strategic and quick-thinking, you’re skilled at turning strategy into results, strengthening systems, and managing risk. You bring energy, focus and a commitment to delivery, while fostering strong relationships with your open, transparent and collaborative style. You’ll also have:
- Relevant tertiary qualification (finance, commercial, legal, or HR preferred)
- Significant senior management experience in corporate services and operations
- Strong financial management, budgeting, and reporting skills
- Proven HR leadership across recruitment, development, and compliance
- Experience in driving organisational change and culture
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
- Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural capability
Who are we | Ko wai mātou WPEW is a charity and operates as a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO). We offer incredible audience experiences across our six sites: City Gallery Wellington, Capital E, Wellington Museum, Space Place, Cable Car Museum and Nairn Street Cottage.
As an organisation we work together with and for Wellington to create remarkable experiences that generate vitality, strengthening the city we love. We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support mana whenua as kaitiaki. We are committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment, building meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for people from a diverse range of backgrounds. We offer 5 weeks of annual leave per year. Other benefits include free te reo Māori lessons and access to EAP services.
If you want to work with like-minded community builders who are passionate about art and culture, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and cover letter telling us a bit about you and what excites you about our organisation.
Applications close 11:59pm on Thursday, 16 October however early applications are encouraged. We will be reviewing applications as they are received, so we can move swiftly to shortlisting after the closing date.
We have partnered with Kin to fill this key role. If you have questions or would like a kōrero before applying, please contact Stacey Aubry on
[email protected]