General Manager - Assets

Lead Engineering Strategy at the Heart of New Zealand Tourism

Te Anau based (preferred), with flexibility to also be Queenstown based and spend 3–4 days each week in Te Anau

At RobLawMax Recruitment, we’re proud to be exclusively partnering with RealNZ to appoint a new General Manager – Assets. This pivotal leadership role sits at the intersection of engineering strategy, maritime heritage, and sustainable tourism.

Based in Te Anau, you’ll have responsibility for a truly unique and diverse portfolio, from the TSS Earnslaw(an icon of New Zealand’s maritime history), to a fleet of large vessels, coaches, and critical infrastructure across Fiordland and Queenstown. This is your opportunity to shape the long-term future of one of New Zealand’s most respected tourism operators, while enjoying the unmatched lifestyle and natural beauty of Fiordland.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Tourism Officer, you’ll lead the asset management strategy, engineering delivery, and capital programme for RealNZ’s entire asset base.

You’ll oversee:

• Strategic stewardship of maritime assets, vehicle fleets, and infrastructure.

• Continuous improvement of RealNZ’s Asset Management Strategy across all classes.

• Safe, reliable and compliant operations that underpin world-class guest experiences.

• Delivery of capital projects including major vessel projects, electrification initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades.

• Full use and optimisation of the Maximo Enterprise Asset Management system.

• A multi-disciplinary leadership team, fostering a high-performance and safety-first culture.

• CAPEX & OPEX planning, procurement, risk and governance.

• Sustainability leadership, including RealNZ’s carbon transition in fleet and infrastructure planning.

What We’re Looking For

This role requires a strategic, technically grounded leader with a proven track record in asset-heavy, maritime, or engineering operations.

You’ll bring:

• A tertiary qualification in engineering (mechanical, marine, or related disciplines).

• 10+ years’ leadership experience managing large, complex asset portfolios.

• Knowledge of maritime operations, vessel maintenance, and compliance, gained through engineering, asset management, or senior oversight of marine fleets.

• Proven success in leading multi-disciplinary teams and aligning asset strategies to business goals.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen across CAPEX/OPEX.

• The ability to engage confidently with both technical experts and senior stakeholders.

• A collaborative leadership style, with a clear focus on safety, innovation, and sustainability.

Why Te Anau? Why RealNZ?

Located on the shores of Lake Te Anau and at the doorstep of Fiordland National Park, this role offers a truly unmatched lifestyle. You'll enjoy outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and a supportive local community while influencing the future of sustainable tourism infrastructure across New Zealand.

While the position is centred in Te Anau, there is also flexibility to be based in Queenstown, with a regular presence (3–4 days per week) in Te Anau to connect with the team and assets.

RealNZ is a purpose-driven organisation with a mission to inspire the world fall in love with conservation through extraordinary experiences. You’ll join a high-trust, close-knit leadership team passionate about innovation, guest experience, and long-term value.

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead one of New Zealand’s most iconic asset portfolios across land, sea, and sustainability frontiers.

For a completely confidential chat about this exciting role, call Peter Henderson on 027 441 9300 or apply here online!