The Company:
As a sheep genetics and supply management company, Headwaters NZ has partnered with Alliance Group, one of New Zealand’s leading Red Meat processor and exporter, in a joint venture known as the Lumina Partnership (High Health Alliance), with the ambition to take on the world. Born out of a need to do things differently, this future focused partnership brings together the best scientists, geneticists, processors and innovative farmers to create Lumina lamb, sold under unique product specifications to discerning food service channels around the globe.
Farmer suppliers to Headwaters NZ are achieving greater financial returns from producing a branded product through a defined farming system, connected directly to their customer. The two organisations share a single North Star: $100 million in gross premium value captured over the next ten years, built on a 4x increase in lamb volumes and a doubling of gross return per lamb. Innovation sits at the heart of the business and is underpinned by a shared purpose to create and unlock value for Headwaters’ sheep farmers.
For more information, please see https://www.headwaters.nz/, https://luminafarms.com/ and https://www.alliance.co.nz/
The Opportunity:
Headwaters NZ and the Lumina Partnership (High Health Alliance) are consolidating their current two-chair structure into a single Independent Chair role, providing one point of governance oversight and clear accountability for the Chief Executive shared across both businesses. This individual will Chair both the Headwaters NZ and Lumina Partnership Boards, working closely with the CEO and fellow Directors to set strategy, monitor performance and ensure the interests of both sets of shareholders are properly represented and balanced.
The ideal candidate will bring deep market-facing experience in premium food or agribusiness at a global level, a genuine passion for the New Zealand lamb industry, and the ability to stand in front of farmers and speak credibly and with vision about the business and the full value chain.
Candidates should possess significant governance experience, including prior Board Chair experience with a New Zealand export led company, along with the commercial acumen to assess performance and opportunity across a joint-venture structure. Comfort navigating governance across related or jointly owned entities, including managing the Chair relationship with Alliance Group as co-shareholder is essential, as is high personal integrity, independence of thought, and an aspiration for the business rather than for personal profile. A Christchurch base would be advantageous, although not essential.
This is an initial three-year appointment, with a time commitment of approximately 40-50 days per annum across both entities. A competitive remuneration package will be discussed with the successful candidate.
To view the position description: click here
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter highlighting the skills and experience you would bring to governance best practice at Headwaters NZ and the Lumina Partnership. Initial confidential enquiries regarding this position are welcome by contacting Brannigans’ Consultant Sally Wynn-Williams on 027 478 5554.
Applications close 5pm Monday 12 October