Head of Corporate

• Newly created role shaping the corporate heart of a purpose-led organisation
• Strategic and hands-on role leading finance, people, governance and systems
• Wellington-based role with real ownership, influence and impact

About the role

Student Job Search (SJS) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading employment service for tertiary students. Since 1982, they’ve been a vital part of the student employment ecosystem, minimising student hardship, equipping young people with lifelong employment skills, and fostering fulfilling partnerships that ultimately grow Aotearoa and the world.

Every day, they bridge the gap between students and employers, offering a range of opportunities – from casual and temporary roles to permanent positions. Supported by their funders, members, donors, and partners, they connect employers with a talented, motivated workforce while helping students thrive.

This newly created leadership role leads the business side of SJS. You’ll provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership across finance, people, governance, policy, and operations, ensuring SJS is robust, compliant, and future-ready.

By owning SJS’ corporate heartbeat, you’ll enable the Chief Executive to focus on external leadership, partnerships, and long-term impact - confident that the internal foundations are strong, trusted, and continuously improving.

As a member of the Leadership Team, you’ll work collaboratively, take shared accountability for organisational success, and help deliver seamless, joined-up outcomes across SJS.

What you’ll do

• Lead corporate functions across finance, people, governance, risk, policy, and systems
• Oversee day-to-day corporate operations, facilities, vendors, and technology partners
• Provide strategic and practical oversight of budgeting, reporting, audits, and funder compliance
• Champion people, culture and capability to create a thriving, high-performance workplace
• Prepare clear Board and committee reporting and oversee the annual governance programme
• Oversee technology, data and insights to ensure secure fit for purpose systems
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and ways of working
• Embed te ao Māori, wellbeing, health and safety, and shared leadership responsibility

What we’re looking for

• We’re looking for a smart, grounded leader who is comfortable switching between strategy and delivery.
• You’ll bring:
• Proven experience in senior corporate roles – ideally within the not-for-profit, education or public sector
• Demonstrated success leading finance, governance, HR, risk, and compliance
• Confidence partnering with Boards, funders, auditors, and external providers
• A practical, improvement-focused mindset - you make systems work in real life
• Calm judgement, strong organisation skills, and the ability to juggle competing priorities
• A collaborative, people-centred leadership style
• A strong sense of purpose and motivation to make a tangible difference for students

Why join SJS?

At SJS, purpose drives everything. You’ll be part of a small, committed team working nationally to reduce student hardship and support young people into meaningful work.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and influence at a senior leadership level
• A values-led, collaborative culture where people genuinely care
• The chance to shape systems that directly support student outcomes
• A role that blends heart, rigour, and impact in equal measure

This is a permanent position based in Wellington CBD.

To find out more about SJS visit their website at https://www.sjs.co.nz/

How to apply

Send your CV and a cover letter to Kirsty McLaren or Natalie Frank by Monday 19 January 2026.

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/SJS-PD-Head-of-Corporate-11.12.25.pdf