Head of IT
Port Otago Group’s business comprises a regional container terminal, bulk port activities, cruise and property investment and development. We service South Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, working with customers to streamline their supply chains. Our culture is hands-on, safety focused and encourages continuous improvement.
Our diverse portfolio means there is always something on the go and as a business we are collaborative, fast-paced and always open.
About the role:
We’ve set our strategy to 2035 and are looking for an experienced and strategic Head of IT to lead our IT team, strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital transformation initiatives. Your contributions will be key to us achieving the ‘data-led’ and ‘always open’ pillars of our strategy.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and joining our leadership team, you will play a critical role in ensuring our technology aligns with our strategy, supports innovation, and maintains robust systems for port logistics, safety and administration, here at our brand-new head office based in Port Chalmers, Dunedin.
In this role you’ll also:
- Execute the technology roadmap through understanding the overarching business strategy, leveraging systems and data, providing sound guidance and challenging how we do things.
- Provide IT leadership across the Port, demonstrating a deep understanding of risk and the ability to articulate and propose remediations in proportion with the actual business risk.
- Lead and develop the IT team (5 direct reports); building a team culture of resilience, grit, delivery and dependability.
- Deliver a positive impact on business performance through providing expert advice on emerging technologies and business opportunities.
- Understand the direction of travel of global technology and regularly assess the IT roadmap against these to ensure the Port is building secure IT solutions, fit for the future.
- Oversee infrastructure to support the business and ensure high availability and performance of critical systems.
- Lead projects and provide governance to support the achievement of Port’s strategy.
About you:
You’ll be a proven leader who is inquisitive, and data led in their thinking, and who has a track record of delivering IT excellence in a fast-paced environment.
You’ll also:
- Have 10+ years of IT experience with 3+ in a senior leadership role, and a strong technical background.
- Degree in a technical discipline and relevant project management experience.
- Have a clear understanding of industry best practice and proven experience of successful implementations, particularly with respect to strategic data, cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure.
- Have leadership experience with a track record of developing high performing, collaborative IT teams.
- Experience leading change management and systems rollouts.
- Proven experience managing and executing a complex set of priorities and projects.
- Be a creative, strategic thinker who can challenge existing systems and drive innovative solutions.
- Have outstanding communication skills; you’ll be capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels.
- Be proactive, organised and flexible, you’ll be comfortable iterating work in an agile way.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll join a future focused leadership team who are supportive, collaborative and driven to achieve great results. In return for your hard work, we offer a competitive remuneration package, support for your ongoing development and have an established culture of investing in strong performers. You will also be entitled to 7% superannuation and comprehensive health insurance cover for you, your partner, and any dependent children.
A contribution towards relocation costs to Dunedin are also on offer for our successful candidate if you will be relocating outside of Dunedin.
Heads up:
- This is typically a Monday to Friday position, but as the Port operates 24/7, which means some flexibility will be required for out of hours support
- A high standard of safety - not afraid to speak up
- You must be able to pass Ministry of Justice, ACC checks and a medical which includes a drug and alcohol test as part of our recruitment process
- We complete random drug and alcohol testing
How do I apply?
If you would like to confidentially discuss the role please contact Leigh Carter, Head of People on 027 579 5063.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to apply, visit our careers page to submit your application.
Applications close 5pm, Sunday 7th September 2025.
