• Largest Football regional federation in NZ
• Build partnerships and revenue to shape the next decade of the game
• Influence councils, funders and the national game

Northern Region Football (NRF) makes football and futsal happen for 73 member clubs and more than 40,000 players across Northland and Auckland. It is the largest of New Zealand Football’s regional federations and is in great shape.  Competitions run well, clubs are supported, and a strong, established senior leadership team leads day-to-day delivery. The Board now seeks a Chief Executive who will lead us into a new era of growth, building partnerships in the commercial market, with local government, and within the national football system.

The pressures on community sport are real. The cost of playing, tighter funding, fewer volunteers and competition for fields and for players themselves all affect who gets to play. This role is about meeting those pressures head-on, growing and diversifying revenue so it reaches players and families by lowering costs and providing better access. This will suit a leader who can evidence commercial results and is energised by influence, advocacy and partnership more than by operational leadership.

At the heart of it is a simple aim. Football should be within reach of every child and whānau in the region, whatever their postcode or income.

If you’ve built revenue, secured partnerships and moved complex systems in the right direction, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need to know the offside rule, but you do need to care about community impact.

You will:

• Build commercial partnerships at a scale that changes NRF’s financial base
• Champion the case for facilities with Auckland and Northland Councils, local boards and other authorities
• Represent the region’s interests with New Zealand Football and peer federations
• Lead, retain and empower a capable senior team
• Drive implementation of NRF’s 2027–2030 strategy (currently in development).

You will bring:

• Evidenced commercial results, revenue built and partnerships secured
• Proven influence in federated, member-based or multi-stakeholder settings
• A track record of achieving outcomes through council or public processes
• Sound financial judgement when resources are tight
• Genuine commitment to Te Tiriti, equity and inclusion, shown in how you work.

Knowledge of sport and football is useful, but not essential. NRF is genuinely open to leaders from other sectors.

To Apply

For a confidential conversation or the candidate information pack, contact Mel Keane at [email protected]

To apply, send your cover letter and CV to [email protected] by Wednesday 11 November 2026.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand, or be eligible to obtain it, to apply for this position.