Job Description – Executive Director, Commercial

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki – Te Kura Matatini o Taranaki

Since opening in 1972, the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), formerly Taranaki Polytechnic has been contributing to the region’s economy through the delivery of high quality, professional and vocationally focused tertiary education. Based in New Plymouth, WITT serves the tertiary education needs of the Taranaki region of 110,000 people and enrols more than 5,000 students annually in over 50 qualifications. It accounts for 64% of tertiary EFTS provision in the Taranaki region. WITT’s distinctive role in the network of provision in the Taranaki region is to offer a variety of courses at levels 1 to 7, all of which have pathways to employment and/or higher study.

WITT, as a 21st century learning organisation, is taking on a different shape and structure than previously, as it responds to the changing political, economic, social and technological environments impacting on tertiary education. Like any commercial business, WITT has products and services that need to be relevant and sought after by its customers and the communities in which it operates.

Below is a high-level view of the organisational structure of WITT.

The Executive Team at WITT comprises the Chief Executive, five Executive Director positions, and an Executive Manager. The team is responsible and accountable for delivering WITT’s strategic objectives, ensuring organisational decision-making and initiatives support the achievement of WITT’s objectives. It is responsible for ensuring effective communication of the vision, goals, strategies and outcomes both internally and externally. From time to time, all members of the Executive are required to perform duties for the Chief Executive, and to act on behalf of the Chief Executive with external agencies, as required.

Role purpose

The purpose of this role is to drive new revenue streams for the institute that excludes government and international student funding. Examples of revenue streams include full cost recovery, industry training and professional development, short courses, conferences, trade and enterprise courses and innovations.

Key responsibilities of the role

Accountability / Authority
Commercial Development / Network and develop new industry relationships that advance WITT’s business income, reputation and reach both regionally and nationally; Develop and implement commercial development plans that will grow WITT’s business; Increase market awareness and brand across sectors and industries; Establish market trends and develop appropriate strategies and processes to ensure sustained growth is maintained; Produce and provide current market intelligence to support the business; Identify areas and markets for growth that result in the development of training courses; Market existing courses through various avenues both regionally and nationally.
Relationship Building / Manage existing relationships with key stakeholders, employers and agencies associated with WITT; Develop and secure new relationships that advance the business; Ensure external and internal customers are given prompt, professional service.
Quality and Administration / Maintain an understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and incorporate in the working environment; Comply with the Education (pastoral care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016; Participate on committees within WITT; Comply with all WITT’s QMS standards; Ensure all records are appropriately stored, retained and disposed of in accordance the Privacy Act 1993 and the Public Records Act 2005.

Once appointed to the role, a programme of work will be developed with the appointee that will set out the specific tasks and time frames to achieve the key deliverables for this position. Progress will be monitored through WITT’s Performance and Development Programme.

The ED Commercial is also expected to perform such other duties as can be reasonably regarded as incidental to the job description.

Key relationships

Internal

  • WITT Council
  • Executive Team
  • Managers and staff across WITT
  • NZIHT
  • Support Team

External

  • Venture Taranaki Trust
  • Taranaki Chamber of Commerce
  • HRINZ
  • Industry partners
  • Local businesses
  • Sector stakeholders
  • Other ITPs
  • Other Tertiary Providers

Person specifications for position

  • Extensive business knowledge and skills
  • Able to identify and optimise commercial growth
  • A proven business development expert with diagnostic / solution sales approach
  • Advanced negotiation skills; politically and organisationally savvy
  • Highly effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Developed listening skills
  • Appropriate professional associations are expected
  • Advanced emotional intelligence
  • Advanced communication and interpersonal skills
  • Takes an active role in shaping strategic thinking and future service delivery
  • Demonstrates personal drive, integrity and commitment to the successful leadership of WITT
  • Communicates positively about the organisation, its people and what it is achieving
  • Experience and successful track record at a senior executive level would be helpful but not essential
  • A recognised academic, professional or technical qualification as determined by the CE

This is a significant opportunity for someone who is seeking to continue their leadership career and make a tangible difference to the educational and training needs of all people in the Taranaki region.

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