Scaffolding, Access & Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) is the national industry association representing New Zealand’s scaffolding, access, rigging and rope access sector.
Our members operate in an industry where safety, workforce capability, regulation and training matter. SARNZ provides a strong collective voice for the sector, connects members across the country, supports industry development and works closely with government, regulators, training organisations and other key stakeholders.
We are looking for a hands-on and relationship-focused General Manager to lead the organisation through its next stage.
This is a varied leadership role for someone who enjoys working across strategy, advocacy, membership and operations. You will work closely with the SARNZ Board and a small team, while building strong relationships across the industry and representing members on the issues that matter.
The entire team works from home around the country and the role requires regular travel at least once a month with high potential for more.
The role
Reporting to and working in partnership with the Board, the General Manager will provide both strategic and operational leadership for SARNZ.
You will be responsible for ensuring the organisation delivers on its strategic priorities, remains financially and operationally sound, provides strong value to members and maintains an influential voice on behalf of the industry.
Key areas of responsibility include:
Strategy and governance
- Work with the Board to implement SARNZ’s strategic direction and priorities.
- Provide well-informed advice on industry developments, risks and opportunities.
- Support effective governance, Board reporting and organisational compliance.
- Translate strategy into practical programmes, initiatives and outcomes.
Membership and engagement
- Build strong relationships with members and understand the issues affecting their businesses.
- Lead initiatives to strengthen member engagement, retention and growth.
- Ensure members receive relevant, timely information, resources and opportunities to connect.
- Facilitate regional engagement, networking and knowledge sharing across the sector.
Advocacy and industry leadership
- Represent SARNZ with Ministers, government agencies, regulators, training organisations and industry bodies.
- Build constructive relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.
- Lead advocacy on priority issues affecting the sector, including safety, regulation, training and workforce capability.
- Ensure the industry’s voice is clearly and credibly represented.
- Organisational leadership
- Lead and support a small team to deliver SARNZ’s priorities.
- Oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the organisation.
- Manage key suppliers, contracts, systems and organisational resources.
- Maintain a positive, practical and accountable working culture.
Financial and commercial management
- Prepare and manage budgets within Board-approved parameters.
- Maintain strong financial oversight and reporting.
- Develop sponsorship, partnership and other commercial opportunities that support SARNZ’s objectives.
- Identify opportunities for products, services and initiatives that provide value to members and strengthen the organisation.
Events and communications
- Provide oversight of SARNZ’s annual conference, awards, regional events and member activities.
- Work with sponsors, speakers, venues and other partners to deliver high-quality events.
- Maintain SARNZ’s profile through effective communications, industry updates, newsletters and digital channels.
- Act as a credible spokesperson for SARNZ and the wider industry.
About you
We are interested in hearing from people with senior leadership experience in an association, industry body, membership organisation, construction-related organisation or another stakeholder-rich environment.
You do not need to come from the scaffolding or rigging sector, but you will need to be comfortable quickly understanding a technical industry and the issues affecting its members.
You will bring:
- Strong leadership, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working with, or alongside, a Board or governance group.
- The ability to engage credibly with members, government agencies, regulators and industry leaders.
- Sound financial and commercial judgement.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including confidence representing an organisation publicly.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.
- A high level of autonomy, judgement and personal accountability.
- A collaborative, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.
Knowledge of the construction, infrastructure or specialist trades sector would be an advantage, but is not essential.
Why SARNZ?
This is an opportunity to lead a respected national industry organisation and have a genuine influence on the future of an important part of New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure sector.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with industry leaders, influence policy and regulatory conversations, strengthen member value and help shape the future direction of SARNZ.
The role offers a high degree of autonomy, flexibility and variety, supported by an engaged Board and team.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role through the Seek system.
Applications close when the right candidate is found.