• Lead a respected, evidence-based early intervention service supporting whānau
• Guide a high-performing, values-led team
• Shape the future of a trusted community organisation

About Early Start
 
Early Start is a long-established and highly regarded service supporting families from the birth of a child through to age five. Through a structured, evidence-based home visiting programme, the organisation works alongside whānau to strengthen parenting, improve family wellbeing and reduce the long-term risks associated with poor social and health outcomes.
 
With a strong research foundation and deep roots in the Canterbury community, Early Start has built trusted relationships across health, social services and community partners. Its work is practical, outcomes-focused and grounded in a genuine commitment to whānau, equity and early intervention. This includes a strong commitment to culturally responsive practice and working in partnership with Māori and the wider community.
 
The organisation has evolved carefully over time, maintaining a strong service model and a stable, values-led culture. It is well established, financially well managed and continues to deliver strong outcomes for the families it supports.
 
The Opportunity
 
As Early Start looks to the future, there is an opportunity to appoint a CE / GM to lead the organisation into its next phase.
 
This is a broad and hands-on leadership role, responsible for the overall performance of the organisation. Reporting to the Board you will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 30 kaimahi, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality services. You will also support the organisation through a period of measured change, strengthening systems, processes and ways of working while maintaining a strong and supportive team culture.
 
The role brings together leadership, operational oversight, stakeholder engagement and financial stewardship. It requires someone who can balance day-to-day delivery with a wider view of how the organisation continues to evolve and deliver strong, consistent outcomes over time.
 
There is also an opportunity to strengthen the organisation's external profile, champion Early Start's impact externally, building strong relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders to support its ongoing success and future opportunities.
 
What You'll Bring
 
This role will suit an experienced leader who is comfortable operating at Chief Executive or General Manager level within a complex, purpose-led environment.
 
Additionally, you'll also bring:

• Proven leadership experience, ideally within a health, social services, NGO or publicly funded environment
• An openness to Te Tiriti-based practice and an ability to build trusted relationships with Māori, iwi and community partners
• The ability to lead and support multidisciplinary teams while maintaining focus on outcomes and wellbeing
• Financial and commercial awareness, with confidence overseeing budgets, reporting and financial performance within a contract-funded environment
• A proactive, open communication style, with the confidence to engage constructively with the Board and bring clarity to both challenges and solutions
• Experience navigating stakeholder environments, including funders, government agencies and community partners
• The ability to lead change in a measured way - strengthening systems and processes without losing what already works
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with both the Board and the wider team

Just as importantly, you will align with the values that underpin Early Start's work. You will bring a genuine commitment to culturally responsive, whānau-centred practice, with the ability to work confidently within a bicultural context in Aotearoa New Zealand and lead in a way that is inclusive, respectful and grounded. Experience with or exposure to te reo Māori, tikanga Māori or iwi engagement would also be valued, but is not essential.
 
Why This Role Matters
 
Early Start is not a start-up and it doesn't need reinventing. What it needs is a leader who can step in with confidence, support a capable team, strengthen systems where needed, champion the great work being delivered and help position the organisation well for the future.
 
It's a role that requires balance - between stability and change, operational delivery and strategic awareness, and honouring the success of the past whilst shaping what comes next.
 
How to Apply
 
For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Heather Ewing on 03 265 0667 or click the 'apply' button to express your interest in being considered for this great role.