Formed in July 2025 through the merger of GNS Science and NIWA, Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) brings together around 1,100 people with leading expertise across earth, environmental, atmospheric, freshwater and marine sciences. It applies science, data and technology to New Zealand’s critical challenges - from natural hazards and climate resilience to energy and healthy ecosystems - turning insight into practical outcomes for a safer, stronger and more prosperous Aotearoa New Zealand.

ESNZ is now moving beyond its initial merger to build a more integrated, agile and commercially sustainable organisation. Its new operating model connects customer and partner needs with multidisciplinary science, scalable data and digital solutions. ESNZ is focused on developing stronger partnerships, innovation, diversified revenue and greater value from its science, intellectual property and assets.

Three new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) roles have been established to help drive this transformation through collaborative, enterprise-wide leadership. As the leader of ESNZ’s “Delivery Engine”, the Chief Science Delivery Officer leads approximately 400 staff and is accountable for leading the delivery of scientific research and consultancy, translating customer, funder and partner needs into world-class science.

If appointed, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and leadership team colleagues, to deliver successful science missions, programmes and flagship initiatives that meet the needs of funders, partners and stakeholders and provide high customer value.

You will build scientific capability, foster innovation and up-to-date science practices, and steward a complex portfolio of research and programmes.



Working across ESNZ, you will align scientific priorities, resources, infrastructure and digital technologies to strengthen delivery, maximise customer and public value, and support the organisation’s long-term impact and commercial sustainability.

To be credible for this role, you will demonstrate a track record of building enterprise-wide leadership within science, research, innovation or technical organisations, ideally in a complex, multidisciplinary environment. You will also offer:

Executive-level experience leading complex science portfolios, effectively managing resources to deliver real impact and measurable outcomes.

Capacity to optimise science portfolio performance, investment, and resource allocation, to maximise impact, efficiency and value.

Ability to balance scientific excellence with customer, funder and organisational priorities, while sustaining long-term capability.

Strong scientific credibility with a record of building world-class capability, innovation and multidisciplinary teams.

Collaborative, empowering leadership that integrates expertise across disciplines and delivers outcomes across organisational boundaries.

There is a preference for this role to be Wellington-based.

Confidential enquiries and applications should be directed to Joanna de Wilde or Vishnu Nair at Ichor Leadership Search by 5.00pm on Friday 6 November. Contact us via email at @ichor.co.nz or telephone: +64 230 .

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Your application will include the following questions:

- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
- How would you rate your English language skills?

📌 Chief Science Delivery Officer (Sydney)
🏢 Ichor Leadership Search
📍 Sydney