Outstanding leadership role with highly respected organisation, supporting recovery, connection and hope amongst the vulnerable in our community. Full description.

Poutia, Heretia

Tuia te muka tangata kite poutokomanawa

Ka to mono Motuhake, Ka noho herekore i nga waranga me nga wero nui o te ao.

People, whanau and communities are connected and supported to live the lives they want, free from drug, alcohol and other addiction challenges.

Support the strategy, people, and systems that enable meaningful recovery outcomes.

Odyssey has supported New Zealanders affected by addiction and mental health challenges for over 40 years. They work in partnership with t?ngata whai ora and wh?nau to create hopeful, safe spaces for change and connection. Odyssey are now seeking an experienced, values-driven General Manager, Organisational Development and Support to join their Executive Leadership Team.

This is a senior leadership role with broad scope and real influence - shaping how Odyssey grows, supports its people, tells its story, and delivers impact across Aotearoa.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the Organisational Development and Support portfolio, setting strategic direction and enabling organisational capability across:

• Workforce development, people and capability systems
• Knowledge management, data, outcomes and impact Support the
• Communications and brand management
• Funding, investment and service development
• Strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships
• Quality improvement systems and organisational assurance

You will lead a multidisciplinary team and be a part of the Executive Leadership Team to ensure integrated, coordinated support across the organisation. A strong focus of the role is enabling organisational growth, innovation, and sustainability while remaining grounded in Odyssey’s purpose, values, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

You are an experienced senior leader with a strong background in organisational development, strategy, or system leadership - within the health, mental health, addiction, or broader social services sector.

You will bring:

• Significant leadership experience (10+ years) in complex organisations
• Definitive experience within mental health and/or addiction services in NZ
• Proven success in service development, funding applications, and investment activity
• Strong people leadership capability and experience overseeing HR, workforce planning, and development functions
• Demonstrated understanding and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practice
• Strategic and systems thinking, with the ability to translate data and insight into action
• Excellent relationship management skills across government, funders, NGOs, and sector partners
• Experience leading communications, brand, quality, or knowledge management functions (highly desirable)

You are collaborative, thoughtful, and resilient, with a strong commitment to well-being, equity, and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity to lead at a strategic level in an organisation with a strong purpose and national impact. You’ll work alongside passionate, committed people and help shape systems and environments that enable others to do their best work - supporting recovery, connection, and hope.

If you are motivated by purpose and ready to lead organisational growth and support, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit an application by clicking on "Apply" and submit a Cover Letter (outlining why you feel you're the best person for this role), plus an up-to-date CV - both in MS Word please. You can make initial confidential contact with Kevin Chappell, Principal Director of TalentNow! on 029-5974739.

Applications close for this role at 5.00 pm Monday 19 January 2026

1. Other than statutory holidays, Kevin will be available throughout the holiday period.
2. You must have the right to work in New Zealand.
3. Priority will be given to applicants with New Zealand experience.

Short description.