About the role 

Lead the Manawatū region's brand and identity, delivering outcomes under the Manawatū Destination Plan across tourism, marketing, and communications. You will drive the development and execution of integrated strategies that support visitor growth, sector development, and regional economic outcomes. This is a senior, highly visible role requiring strong leadership, commercial thinking, and the ability to influence and engage the wider community

BENEFITS:

• Senior leadership role with real influence and visibility
• Join a supportive team with a shared vision for growth
• Broad, diverse role with autonomy and scope to make it your own
• Recently refurbished central city office location

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Marketing Planning & Strategy:  Develop and deliver integrated strategies aligned to the Regional Identity and Manawatū Destination Plan.
• Marketing Operations & Execution: Lead campaign delivery, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Visitor Sector Development: Grow the visitor economy through strong industry partnerships and sector initiatives aligned to the Destination Management Plan.
• Media, Communications & PR: Drive media relations and PR to enhance the region's profile.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing, marketing and communications team.
• Relationship Development: Build strong stakeholder relationships across government, industry, and community.
• CEDA Leadership Team: Contribute to CEDAs strategy.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or similar.
• 7+ years' experience in senior marketing and communications roles across both public and private sector environments.
• Proven experience in the development and implementation of strategic plans.
• Strong understanding of brand, destination marketing, stakeholder engagement, and regional development contexts.
• Strong background in website development, digital marketing, and online engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated success in senior leadership roles, including performance management and development of staff.
• Experience operating at a senior management level with the ability to step into an "acting CEO" capacity when required.

Ko mātou ēnei (Who we are)

The team at CEDA  is a passionate group of people, driven to grow and develop the region. Their vision for the region: by 2030 Manawatū will be Aotearoa's most progressive region  - where great minds, future-focused businesses, and diverse cultures come together to grow the prosperity of, and deliver for, its communities in Manawatū and beyond.

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the Manawatū region.
Apply now with your CV and Cover Letter.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The recruitment for this role is being managed by PN Personnel. For more information, please feel free to contact Robyn Bills on 06 280 2401.