Our Client
Black Cat Group is one of New Zealand’s most respected marine tourism and transport operators, internationally recognised as a pioneer of eco-tourism. Founded in Akaroa in 1985, Black Cat was New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator. From humble beginnings as a family run venture, the business has grown into a multi-site operation with 100 team members.
  
Today Black Cat Group operates a diverse portfolio of premium marine wildlife experiences across Banks Peninsula and Kaikōura, alongside essential public transport services including the Lyttelton–Diamond Harbour ferry. In 2025, the acquisition of Dolphin Encounter Kaikōura, including Albatross Encounter and an associated café operation, strengthened Black Cat’s position as a national leader in marine wildlife tourism. For more information go to http://www.blackcat.co.nz
  
The Role
Reporting to the Board, you will lead the performance and culture of Black Cat as it goes through its next phase of growth and operational maturity. You will translate strategic intent into practical plans and budgets while maintaining a strong focus on commercial performance, customer experience, safety, environmental responsibility and community outcomes.
  
With people at the core of this role, you will lead performance management, capability development and succession planning, while building on existing organisational culture. You will champion a safety ethos, ensuring compliance with maritime, transport and conservation regulations and maintaining effective risk management systems. As a brand ambassador of Black Cat Group, you will ensure trusted partnership are developed with customers, regulators, suppliers, media, industry bodies and local communities.
  
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, you will be a commercially astute and operationally grounded leader who is equally comfortable thinking strategically and delivering operationally. You will bring proven leadership experience in a customer facing organisation, with a strong track record of owning performance and driving sustainable results. You will have a natural affinity with the environmental elements of Black Cat, ensuring it sustains its position as a leader in marine wildlife tourism in its spectacular coastal locations.
  
You will be comfortable leading people, navigating complex stakeholder environments and representing the organisation with credibility and professionalism. You will be entrepreneurial, with experience creating new revenue opportunities within an established business. Marine, transport or other related tourism experience would be advantageous; however a strong customer experience approach will be essential.
  
To view the position description for this role: click here
  
To Apply
If you are commercially driven and ready to lead a iconic business with a strong legacy and purpose, please submit your cover letter and CV by clicking the ‘here’ button. For initial enquiries please contact Nick Carter on 027 591 3422 or Nick Hodgson on 022 126 5755.
  
Applications close 16 February 2026