General Manager - The Diversity Agenda
MŌ MĀTOU – ABOUT US
This isn’t just a leadership role; it’s a movement. The Diversity Agenda is about creating industries where everyone thrives – today and tomorrow. It’s about ensuring pay gaps shrink, leadership is inclusive, and our workplaces reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Aotearoa.
The Diversity Agenda is an award-winning diversity and inclusion programme 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.
Our goal is to grow more diverse and inclusive professions-so they reflect Aotearoa New Zealand, honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and are places where people feel safe, valued and able to thrive.
Through our Accord and sector-wide initiatives, we bring together leaders committed to driving meaningful, measurable change – one that is grounded in action, accountability, and collective impact.
HE KAUPAPA | THE OPPORTUNITY
We are on the hunt for an experienced and influential General Manager to lead The Diversity Agenda and grow its impact across the sector. This is an opportunity to lead one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most influential DEI movements and work alongside sector leaders to create lasting change.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact, sector-wide initiative and shape the future of our professions. You will:
* Be a visible and trusted leadership voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion across engineering and architecture.
* Work closely with industry leaders, Governance Partners, and a Steering Group to grow a united movement and to influence structural change.
* Lead and deliver a sector-wide strategy with real influence and momentum.
* Grow membership and partnerships, and ensure the ongoing financial and operational sustainability of the programme. Reporting to the Chief Executive of ACE New Zealand, you will be accountable for delivering the strategy and ensuring the programme remains impactful, relevant, and financially sustainable.
KO WAI KOE? | WHO ARE YOU?
You are a strategic and credible industry leader who brings both passion and pragmatism to advancing diversity and inclusion, and can offer:
* A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. business, HR, communications, public policy, or similar), or equivalent experience.
* Significant and proven senior leadership experience in a similar position providing strategic advice, support and delivery to a broad audience including senior leaders across the sector, and using evidence to support planning and decision-making and in stakeholder management.
* Significant senior leadership experience influencing and delivering strategy and working with executive-level stakeholders and volunteers to action change initiatives.
* Deep understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and the issues shaping modern workplaces, and an ability to translate that knowledge into actionable insights for change.
* Experience growing programmes, partnerships, or delivering change initiatives in complex environments, within governance environments (e.g. boards, steering groups).
You will also:
* Be a confident communicator and influential relationship builder.
* Be a thoughtful and collaborative leader with a “deft touch” in navigating diverse perspectives and challenging conversations.
* Bring sound judgement and a collaborative, pragmatic approach.
* Be a self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and is motivated by impact.
* Be genuinely committed to creating more inclusive and equitable professions.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU | TĀ MĀTOU E TUKU AI KI A KOE
* Commitment to flexibility – whatever that looks like for you.
* 5 weeks annual leave, and up to 3 organisational days.
* A prorated wellness benefit, a phone allowance.
* Wellbeing initiatives which include a pro-rated wellbeing benefit and confidential counselling.
* Opportunities to get involved in values-driven initiatives across our partner organisations, such as the Neurodiversity Initiative, waiata practice, rainbow community, and te reo Māori learning.
We are committed to accessibility, equity, and inclusion and can offer a range of workplace adjustments for all kaimahi.
Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to remove barriers or support you to bring your best during the recruitment process.
KŌRERO MAI KI A MĀTOU – TALK TO US
Please apply with your CV and cover letter, highlighting the experience, values and passions you would bring to leading this award-winning movement for change, by 9.00am on Monday 20 July 2026.
To start a confidential conversation or to request a copy of the Position Description, please contact John Keith on 021 205 3252 or john.keith@talentinternational.com, or Katie Kemp on 021 928 232 or katie.kemp@talentinternational.com.
Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand at the time of application.