Quality Jobs

Wai Hononga Water Services Limited is a new Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) established under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025, owned 100% by New Plymouth District Council (NPDC). It will be responsible for the delivery of water services (two waters - drinking and wastewater) to the New Plymouth region.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide financial leadership through establishment and beyond, supporting long-term organisational success and financial sustainability.

Based in New Plymouth, this role offers the opportunity to combine executive leadership with the rare experience of helping establish a new public water services organisation from the ground up.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Executive, and forming part of the senior leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will play a pivotal role in leading Wai Hononga through its establishment phase and supporting transition to full operations. The role will provide strategic and organisational leadership across finance, funding, treasury, commercial management, procurement and business performance.

As a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive and the Board, the CFO will help shape organisational strategy, support key investment and funding decisions, and provide the financial stewardship required to deliver sustainable, affordable and high performing services for our community.

Beyond establishment, the role has an enduring mandate to build and lead a high-performing corporate services function that supports organisational maturity, strong governance, informed decision making and long-term financial sustainability.

Key accountabilities

As Chief Financial Officer you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and advice to the Chief Executive, Board and Leadership Team
• Lead Wai Hononga's financial strategy, planning, pricing, funding, treasury and commercial activities to support long-term sustainability and affordability
• Establish and lead a high-performing corporate services function, including finance, procurement, commercial management, governance support and business performance
• Support key organisational decisions through high-quality financial analysis, performance reporting, risk management and investment advice
• Lead Wai Hononga's financial and economic regulatory responsibilities, including pricing, funding, financial reporting, revenue assurance and engagement with relevant regulators
• Lead the development of the financial frameworks, systems, policies and controls required for a standalone water services organisation
• Play a pivotal role in the establishment and transition of Wai Hononga, helping shape the organisation's future operating model, capability and ways of working
• Support effective governance through high-quality reporting and advice to the Board and Audit, Finance and Risk and People Safety and Culture Board Committees
• Build strong relationships with councils, regulators, iwi/M?ori partners and other key stakeholders

About you

You are an experienced and strategic finance leader who combines commercial acumen with strong financial stewardship. You are comfortable operating at executive level, influencing strategic decisions, and building trusted relationships with Boards, senior leaders and external stakeholders.

You will bring:

• A recognised professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA or equivalent)
• Significant senior leadership experience across finance, treasury, asset management, commercial management and corporate services functions
• Experience providing strategic financial advice to Chief Executives, Boards and governance committees
• Strong commercial and analytical skills with the ability to balance long-term sustainability, affordability and organisational performance
• The ability to build high-performing teams, systems and processes that support organisational growth and maturity
• A collaborative and pragmatic leadership style and the ability to influence, build credibility and work effectively across a range of stakeholders
• An understanding of, or appreciation for, local government, infrastructure, utilities or other regulated environments
• A strong commitment to public value, accountability, and delivering positive outcomes for communities
• Experience supporting organisational establishment, transformation, or transition (highly regarded but not essential)

• Shortlisted for Best Places to Work 2025
• Growing Quality Team who are passionate about their work
• Commercially focused with state-of-the-art facilities
• Excellent benefits package

BioOra is changing the face of cancer treatment globally. We're rapidly scaling up and need big thinkers who are as fire up as we are. Interested?

Who is BioOra?

BioOra is proud to be New Zealand's first Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell manufacturing company. At the forefront of cell therapy innovation, we are currently manufacturing for a Phase II clinical trial and advancing toward large scale commercial production. Our goal is to revolutionise cancer immunotherapy by automating and scaling the production of CAR T-cells, to deliver this life-saving technology at a fraction of standard costs and time.

What will you do?

Having successfully completed a phase one clinical trial, we are now immersed in a phase two trial manufacturing our CAR T-cell technology. As such, we need to scale up, at pace. With a continuous improvement mindset, you will join our Quality Assurance team to uphold BioOra's commitment to maintaining the highest standards and quality in its operations. This encompasses:

• Assisting in maintaining and improving the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with GMP requirements.
• Draft and review documentation to ensure procedural accuracy and alignment with current regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Collaborate with the wider team to investigate deviations and quality incidents, draft reports, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Assist in managing the change control process for materials, methods and equipment.
• Review batch records and associated documentation.
• Participate in risk assessments related to processes, equipment, and product quality.
• Assist in the qualification and monitoring of suppliers.
• Data analysis and reporting on trends/metrics.

What do you bring to the role?

Accompanied with your relevant scientific degree, you will have previous experience working in a similar role, ideally within a GMP pharmaceutical environment.

Additionally, you will:

• Have a sound knowledge of Quality System processes and familiarity with PIC/S guidance.
• Validation experience would be advantageous.
• Able to clearly and concisely communicate technical information.
• A proactive and resourceful 'go getter'.
• Outcome focused with a drive to achieve goals that benefit the whole.
• Impeccable at attention to detail, with sharp organisational skills.
• Able to think on your feet, and make quick, informed decisions.
• Easily able to switch between working independently and with the team.

Why join us?

We are thinking BIG. With a focus on innovation, scalability, and accessibility, we are poised to transform the way CAR T-cell therapies are delivered, bringing hope and healing to patients on a global scale. But if that's not reason enough, BioOra:

• Believe in a healthy work-life balance, so that our people thrive personally and professionally.
• Aim to create an atmosphere where every team member finds joy in their work, experiences personal growth, and finds time for their passions beyond work.
• We are not just building a company; we are creating an environment where success is celebrated, growth is supported, and well-being is paramount.
• Have opportunities for career advancement and professional development are extensive given our significant phase of growth.

When you apply

We love AI, but not when it comes to human beings applying to work for us. We don't want to know what AI says about you, we want to hear what you say about you, so no AI cover letters please.  As such, if you've not answered the following question, you may not get a response from us: "Who are our current Board members?"

*Please note, to be considered for this role you MUST already have the legal right to work in New Zealand.