About the Opportunity Ready to get involved with one of the city’s most iconic destination spaces?
Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre is Wellington’s flagship venue for business events, exhibitions, conferences and large-scale functions. We are seeking a sharp, commercially minded, innovative and relationship-savvy Head of Tākina and Business Events Wellington to provide a single point of leadership on WellingtonNZ’s behalf for the venue.
This is a one-year fixed-term, part-time role (24–32 hours per week), established to strengthen strategic planning, operational excellence and commercial performance for Tākina and Business Events Wellington.
Based at the iconic Tākina and reporting to the Chief Executive of WellingtonNZ, you will be the trusted leader and public face of Tākina on behalf of WellingtonNZ; setting direction and delivering strong outcomes for the venue and Wellington. This role interacts closely with internal and external stakeholders, including Wellington City Council and Tākina Events (Te Papa), who operate the two upper floors of Tākina.
About You You’re a confident, values-led leader and a natural go-getter who knows how to turn vision into action. You don’t wait for things to happen - you make them happen.
You bring:
- Strong commercial acumen and a clear understanding of how to grow revenue and drive optimal outcomes
- Proven experience in events, venues, tourism or related sectors
- The ability to connect, influence and build trust - from boardrooms and mana whenua to media and stakeholders
- A sharp eye on global trends in events, exhibitions and attractions
- A collaborative, adaptable mindset and the energy to build momentum
- A strong network across the events, business events or attractions landscape
- A passion for delivering economic long-term impact for Wellington
About the Role As Head of Tākina and Business Events Wellington, you will provide single-point leadership across operations, commercial performance and stakeholder engagement.
You will:
- Lead the development and delivery of the overarching strategic and annual business plans for Tākina with input from key stakeholders
- Be the operational lead and facilitator across stakeholders, partners and operators to ensure alignment, collaboration and delivery
- Oversee the development and attraction of a strong pipeline of events, exhibitions, shows and conferences
- Maximise commercial performance across bookings, exhibitions, sponsorship, digital advertising and other revenue opportunities, including the Tangaroa Gallery
- Work closely with Wellington City Council and partners to deliver strong economic, social and commercial outcomes for Wellington
- Oversee the Tākina brand and narrative, leading marketing, PR and media engagement to raise the venue’s profile and grow demand
- Build strong relationships with mana whenua and champion and uphold the tikanga for Tākina
- Inspire, coach and lead a high-performing team, creating a culture focused on delivery, collaboration and continuous improvement.
About Us WellingtonNZ is the agency tasked with ‘Creating a thriving Wellington Region for all’. Our organisation is shamelessly passionate about this wonderful region we call home and want to make it famous as the most creative place in New Zealand to live, work, visit and play.
You may not know our name; however, you will know of our work… the Wellington sign on the waterfront, venues including the Michael Fowler Centre and iconic St James Theatre, lighting up the Wellington Railway Station for the launch of many events, the Wellington Advent Calendar, and leading the way with the Regional Economic Development Plan to name a few.
What we Offer WellingtonNZ truly values its people and is committed to building an inclusive and collaborative culture where everyone can thrive, have fun and make a difference for the Wellington region.
We have all the things you would expect from a great employer – flexible working options that can be tailor-made for you, wellbeing programmes, relaxed working environments and encouragement to be yourself.
We will be responding to applications as they come through so apply today! We've partnered with Kin to fill this very exciting key role. Please apply online with your CV and cover letter telling us why you think this is the role for you. If you would like to hear more about the role or have some questions before applying, please contact Kuntal for a kōrero, 021 0263 9399 or email
[email protected].
Please note only applicants with the right to live and work in NZ will be considered.