Chief Executive

• Lead UMFHA through its next phase of strategic and market development
• Grow recognition of the UMF™ Quality Mark among consumers and members
• Work remotely from anywhere in New Zealand

About UMF Honey Association

UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) administers and protects the UMF™ Quality Mark for New Zealand mānuka honey. The Association works with its licensed members and other stakeholders to protect the integrity of the mark and grow the value it provides to consumers and members.

UMFHA has established a clear strategic direction and is looking to build on its technical foundations with a stronger focus on market development, consumer recognition and member value.

About the role

Reporting to the Board, you will lead a small, remote organisation to deliver its strategy and shape its next phase. The role combines external leadership and relationship-building with organisational leadership and commercial stewardship.

Key responsibilities include:

• Growing the recognition and value of the UMF™ Quality Mark for consumers and members, in New Zealand and international markets
• Building relationships with members, government, regulators, industry and international stakeholders, including developing constructive relationships with Māori stakeholders
• Leading UMFHA’s small, remote team and advising the Board on the capability and resources needed to deliver its strategy
• Guiding UMFHA’s intellectual property strategy and science programme, working with technical specialists to uphold the integrity of the UMF standard and certification system
• Sound financial management of the organisation

What we’re looking for

You will be an experienced senior leader, ideally with Chief Executive or General Manager experience. You’ll bring a strong record of leading people, delivering strategy and building organisational capability.

You’ll also bring:

• A market-facing, commercially astute outlook, with experience in market development, brand growth or consumer-focused work
• The ability to understand international markets and build relationships that support growth
• Confidence representing an organisation and influencing senior stakeholders across government, industry and business
• Strong judgement in balancing member interests with the wider value and credibility of a shared quality mark
• Financial and governance capability, including the ability to provide clear recommendations to a Board
• Cultural awareness and a commitment to developing constructive relationships with Māori stakeholders

You don’t need to be a scientist or IP specialist, but you will be comfortable working alongside technical experts and upholding the integrity of the UMF standard.

Why join UMFHA?

This is a chance to lead a well respected organisation with significant influence across a distinctive, and growing, New Zealand industry, and shape its future success. Working with an engaged Board and a diverse membership, you’ll help UMFHA deliver on its strategy and contribute to the future of New Zealand’s mānuka honey sector.

This is a permanent, nationwide remote role. The Board is open to considering flexibility in work arrangements. Domestic and some international travel will be required.

To find out more about UMFHA, visit www.umf.org.nz.

How to apply

Apply with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Sunday 22 November 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/UMFHA-PD-Chief-Executive-28.10.26.pdf