Chief Executive

• High-impact strategic leadership role driving strategy & operational delivery
• Opportunities to grow the organisation & membership, and make your mark
• Lead a national body advancing health outcomes in Aotearoa NZ

About the role

Reporting to the President and NZAO Council, the Chief Executive is responsible for the effective leadership, day-to-day management, and strategic advancement of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO).

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role, balancing strategic direction with operational delivery across governance support, member services, stakeholder engagement, policy development, advocacy, and organisational sustainability.

A key focus will be strengthening member value and progressing NZAO’s longer-term priorities. You’ll champion NZAO’s values and ensure members continue to see meaningful value in their membership, supporting increased participation, engagement and satisfaction.

You’ll also help shape NZAO’s future membership base by building strong connections with graduates and emerging professionals, encouraging them to join and engage with the organisation early in their careers. This will support a strong pipeline of future members and the organisation’s long-term sustainability and relevance.

What you’ll do

• Lead the implementation of the NZAO’s strategic plan
• Lead day-to-day operations, including financial oversight, organisational performance, risk, systems, and continuous improvement
• Support the Council and AGM, strategic planning, compliance, reporting and policy
• Lead, develop and support a small team of three and volunteers
• Lead the delivery of professional development programmes, events and conferences for members
• Strengthen communications, member engagement, marketing and digital presence
• Provide leadership on issues management and support advocacy efforts
• Build and maintain relationships across the profession, regulatory bodies, universities, government and other relevant sector stakeholders
• Coordinate and lead Council meetings, including agendas, papers, meeting administration and minutes
• Lead key organisational projects and strategic initiatives
• Represent NZAO at relevant meetings and forums
• Ensure NZAO continues to meet its regulatory and governance obligations, deliver against organisational priorities, and maintain its leadership role for members nationally
• Embed NZAO’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi across policy and practice

You’ll work closely with the Council to provide strong governance support. You’ll establish effective communication channels, ensuring Council are well informed and equipped with clear evidence, insight and practical solutions to support sound decision-making.

You’re strategic yet highly practical, comfortable navigating complexity and challenge. You’ll be skilled at translating strategy into effective operational delivery, identifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring policies and processes remain fit for purpose. With strong people and leadership skills, you’ll empower your team by providing the right resources, removing barriers and creating conditions for them to deliver meaningful impact.

What we’re looking for

• Proven strategic leadership experience within a professional membership body, advocacy organisation or not-for-profit organisation
• A tertiary qualification, or equivalent relevant experience, in health, allied health, disability, or a related field would be highly advantageous
• Strong experience working with voluntary governance Boards/Councils and understanding of good governance best practices
• Ability to translate vision into operational delivery, actionable plans, and impact
• Strong financial stewardship capability, balancing member value, mission and long-term sustainability
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong commercial and business acumen
• Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders at all levels
• Experience in credentialing or professional standards environments is desirable
• Confident, resilient and adaptable, with the sound judgement and decision-making skills
• Comfortable managing conflict, challenging conversations and complex situations with professionalism, empathy and sound judgement
• Demonstrated understanding of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
• Good understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practices
• A genuine commitment to advancing health equity and inclusion, improving health outcomes and protecting public safety for all.

Why join NZAO?

The New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) is the national professional body representing the majority of optometrists across New Zealand. With almost 100 years of history, NZAO has a strong and respected voice in the profession, championing optometry and supporting its members to deliver high-quality vision and eye health care to New Zealanders. NZAO plays an important role in supporting the profession, promoting high standards, and advocating for the interests of optometrists and the communities they serve.           
This is a permanent full-time position (40 hours) based at NZAO’s national office in Wellington Central. Part-time hours (0.8 FTE) will be considered for the right candidate and experience.

NZAO offers a competitive salary, five weeks’ leave, flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and domestic and international travel to attend events and conferences.    

This is an opportunity for a commercially minded, purpose-driven, future- and people-focused leader who thrives on variety, operates confidently at both strategic and operational levels, and is motivated by making a difference and advancing the role of optometry within the wider public health system.

How to apply          

Attention your CV and a cover letter to Ngan Nguyen by Sunday 13 September 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/NZAO-PD-Chief-Executive-20.8.2026.pdf