About the Role 

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of business capability in Aotearoa. 

As Head of Learning & Innovation at the Icehouse, you’ll lead the design, development and delivery of the full learning portfolio, ensuring programmes are contemporary, innovative, impactful, and tailored to the needs of SME leaders across New Zealand. 

Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you’ll own the product roadmap, with a focus on refreshing the learning content and formats, and leading a trusted network of facilitators, coaches and designers. You’ll work closely with internal teams, alumni, and customers to evolve what’s working and build what’s next. 

As Icehouse approaches their 25th birthday next year, they’re looking for someone to help them prepare for the future, anchoring what they’re known for, and pushing forward into new territory. This is a strategic and hands-on role where you’ll bring structure, energy and innovation to a purpose-led team. 

About You 

You’re a builder, comfortable in both strategy and execution. You thrive at the intersection of learning, product, and commercial outcomes. You’re curious, creative, and passionate about helping business owners and their teams grow. 

You might have a background in adult/executive education, L&D, programme design, or innovation. Most importantly, you understand the SME landscape and know what makes business owners and senior leader’s tick. 

You’ve led change before and can bring others on the journey. You know how to keep content fresh, delivery sharp, and teams engaged. You may have facilitated yourself or built capability frameworks from the ground up. It would be beneficial if you’ve run your own business or deeply understand what that takes. 

We’d love to hear from you if you bring: 

• Proven experience in learning design, adult/executive education or programme development;
• A strategic mindset with the ability to build and evolve high-quality learning products;
• Experience leading contractor or facilitator networks and setting delivery standards;
• A strong understanding of the NZ SME environment and its unique challenges;
• Familiarity with modern learning methods and tools (e.g. experiential learning, AI-enhanced delivery);
• Confidence working in or alongside not-for-profit or stakeholder-heavy environments;
• A passion for lifting capability and helping New Zealand thrive.