Chief Executive | Pou Matua

• Lead a values driven disability services organisation making a real difference
• Lead infrastructure renewal and future focused service development
• Based in Naenae with services across the Hutt Valley and Whanganui

About the role

The Laura Fergusson Trust (LFT) is a not for profit charity providing residential, community based, rehabilitation and respite services for adults with physical and neurological impairments. With a strong commitment to person centred support, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and inclusive practice, LFT plays a vital role in the lives of the people and whānau it serves.

Reporting to the Board Chair, the Chief Executive | Pou Matua is responsible for the overall leadership and management of LFT, ensuring delivery against the Strategic Plan and long term vision. You’ll lead a dedicated senior leadership team and workforce who are deeply committed to LFT’s mission to inspire opportunities and belonging.

This is a pivotal time for the organisation. LFT is entering a significant phase of site redevelopment and long term property planning, alongside continued service innovation. Accordingly, in addition to the delivery of its core services, this is a rare opportunity to help shape modern, fit for purpose environments and future focused services that will support clients for decades to come.

What you’ll do

Working closely with the Board, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure LFT delivers high quality, person centred services while remaining sustainable and future focused.

Your key priorities will include:

• Delivering to meet the needs of the people LFT serves
• Leading LFT through a significant period of organisational and site transformation, alongside ongoing service development
• Building strong, trusted relationships with funders, clients, whānau and sector partners
• Strengthening service quality and systems through continuous improvement, data and stakeholder feedback
• Providing sound financial leadership, ensuring long term sustainability and effective risk management
• Embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice and supporting culturally responsive approaches across the organisation
• Leading and developing a capable, values aligned senior leadership team and workforce

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a values led, relational leader who combines strategic capability with genuine empathy for people with disabilities and their whānau.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience, ideally in the not for profit or purpose driven sector
• Experience working effectively with a Board, with the confidence to provide honest advice and balanced challenge
• A track record of leading through change or growth, bringing people with you along the way
• Strong relationship skills, with the ability to open doors, build partnerships and access new opportunities or funding streams
• Sound financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets and funding relationships
• A leadership style grounded in empathy, inclusion and accountability, comfortable engaging at all levels of the organisation
• A practical understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to culturally responsive practice

Knowledge of the health or disability sector, or experience working alongside clinical services, will be advantageous but is not essential.

Why join Laura Fergusson Trust?

LFT is an organisation with heart, history and a clear sense of purpose. Its vision is for active participation and contribution in all aspects of life, and its mission is to inspire opportunities and belonging.

You’ll be joining at a time when LFT is both honouring its legacy and actively shaping its future – investing in new ways of working, stronger partnerships and fit for purpose environments that will benefit clients and communities for years to come.

If you’re motivated by impact, community and the chance to lead meaningful change in the disability sector, this is a rare and rewarding opportunity.

This is a permanent position based in Naenae, Lower Hutt.

You’ll deploy $11M of revenue and lead a staff of 120+ delivering around 3,400 hours per week in the Naenae and Whanganui residences and in the community of the wider Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua and Whanganui regions. 

To find out more about Laura Fergusson Trust visit their website at https://lft.org.nz/

Apply with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Wednesday 11 March 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 latest Annual Report by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/LFT-Annual-Report-2025-v5.pdf

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Laura-Fergusson-Trust-PD-CE-9.2.26.pdf