Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology
Populous People ·www.populouspeople.nz
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This significant executive role will lead EIT’s People and Wellbeing Directorate, shaping a future-focused people strategy across a workforce of more than 700. Based in Napier, you will champion wellbeing, safety, culture and organisational capability, with a clear focus on enabling kaimahi, ākonga and the communities EIT serves to flourish, and strengthening the capability of kaimahi to deliver exceptional learner outcomes.
Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)is a highly regarded tertiary education provider. With campuses in Hawke’s Bay (Napier), Gisborne and five regional learning learning centres, they proudly serve the regions and communities of Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti; providing foundation level courses right through to Masters degrees. Their reach also goes well beyond the East Coast region; offering an international postgraduate campus in Auckland, and offshore relationships in China and the Cook Islands, reflecting the diversity and growth mindset of this independent institute of technology.
Reporting to the CEO and sitting as a key member of the executive leadership team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across people and culture, payroll, and health and safety. Your remit will include employment relations, organisational development, remuneration and rewards, industrial relations, HR advisory services, compliance, equity and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on building workforce capability that directly enhances teaching, learning and learner support.
You will bring a partnership approach, evidence-informed decision-making and values-based leadership. Embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, diversity and inclusion across EIT will be central to building organisational resilience, strengthening leadership capability, growing the confidence and effectiveness of kaimahi, and fostering safe, respectful environments where people and learning can thrive.
This opportunity will suit a progressive, future-focused executive HR leader known for strategic thinking, pragmatic technical capability and authentic, contemporary leadership. Experience in complex commercial, community-centred or tertiary education settings will be highly regarded.
This is a compelling opportunity to bring best practice, rigour and leadership to people and wellbeing strategies right throughout EIT, while lifting workforce capability to better serve ākonga and deliver on EIT’s educational mission.
If you have the expertise and commitment to see EIT flourish, we would love to hear from you. Please apply through this portal or call Rachel Cornwall at Populous People for a confidential discussion, telephone 0272 565620.
Applications close 4pm Tuesday 21 July 2026. Please note, only candidates who have full NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.
Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)is a highly regarded tertiary education provider. With campuses in Hawke’s Bay (Napier), Gisborne and five regional learning learning centres, they proudly serve the regions and communities of Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti; providing foundation level courses right through to Masters degrees. Their reach also goes well beyond the East Coast region; offering an international postgraduate campus in Auckland, and offshore relationships in China and the Cook Islands, reflecting the diversity and growth mindset of this independent institute of technology.
Reporting to the CEO and sitting as a key member of the executive leadership team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across people and culture, payroll, and health and safety. Your remit will include employment relations, organisational development, remuneration and rewards, industrial relations, HR advisory services, compliance, equity and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on building workforce capability that directly enhances teaching, learning and learner support.
You will bring a partnership approach, evidence-informed decision-making and values-based leadership. Embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, diversity and inclusion across EIT will be central to building organisational resilience, strengthening leadership capability, growing the confidence and effectiveness of kaimahi, and fostering safe, respectful environments where people and learning can thrive.
This opportunity will suit a progressive, future-focused executive HR leader known for strategic thinking, pragmatic technical capability and authentic, contemporary leadership. Experience in complex commercial, community-centred or tertiary education settings will be highly regarded.
This is a compelling opportunity to bring best practice, rigour and leadership to people and wellbeing strategies right throughout EIT, while lifting workforce capability to better serve ākonga and deliver on EIT’s educational mission.
If you have the expertise and commitment to see EIT flourish, we would love to hear from you. Please apply through this portal or call Rachel Cornwall at Populous People for a confidential discussion, telephone 0272 565620.
Applications close 4pm Tuesday 21 July 2026. Please note, only candidates who have full NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology role?
Populous People is hiring for the Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology job located?
The Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology role with Populous People is based in Hastings, NZ.
Is the Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Populous People.
What experience level is the Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology role?
The Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology position is aimed at director-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Executive Director of People & Wellbeing - Eastern Institute of Technology role at Populous People?
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