Huge interest in Q'town Tech's 'best job in the world'

by Peter Newport - Jun 08, 2024

The search for a new Chief Executive for Queenstown's embryonic $1 billion technology enterprise is off to a flying start according to the organisation's leader Roger Sharp.

In just 24 hours Mr Sharp says he's had excited calls from interested candidates from all over New Zealand and the rest of the world.

In a post on LinkedIn Mr Sharp makes it clear this is no job for the overly modest or under-ambitious person. "Could this be the best job on the planet? Come to the mountains of the Deep South and drive the growth of our tech ecosystem in the mountains. Dream big!"

Technology Queenstown, or TQ, aims to be a billion dollar operation in 20 years time and is operating independently of any Government funding.

Speaking to Crux today from Sydney Mr Sharp says that being funded by corporate partners, and not Government, is an important principle even though he has the moral support of local MP Joseph Mooney as well as Science, Innovation and technology Minister Judith Collins.

"We have come right out of the blocks and said, we're not looking for your money, we're looking for your moral support."

"The ethos behind TQ is we've got to do this ourselves. We shouldn't look to Wellington for all the solutions we need to solve our problems, by ourselves and for ourselves. You know, the great thing is when you eliminate the constant, nagging thought that you have to raise money every three years from government and take a 20 year view where you're going to have to raise money from somewhere else - it's really liberating."

"You see the world ahead of you and you're not constrained by short term thinking. It's not easy raising money, but we've already got five years of working capital in the bank."

If you think the job is for you - here's the role description, a video from Roger Sharp and the application details from recruitment specialists Brannigans:

Our Client
Technology Queenstown (TQ) is a recently formed technology development agency based in Queenstown New Zealand. Its vision is to diversify the economy of the Queenstown Lakes District and surrounds (District) by creating a niche technology hub over the 20 years to 2043.

This transformation is predicated on leveraging the District’s current tech ecosystem, currently generating around $100 million or ~1.5% of local GDP, growing it to $1bn per annum (15-20% of predicted GDP) over twenty years.

TQ is the tech sector development agency charged with responsibility for delivering this vision. TQ will take a strategic approach to:

catalysing the availability of key enablers such as education, a larger qualified talent pool, housing and infrastructure; and
promoting and coordinating the tech sector in the District on behalf of all stakeholders.

TQ is a not-for-profit organisation funded by its corporate members which currently include Accenture, the University of Otago, SBS Bank, Queenstown Resort College, Genesis Energy and North Ridge Partners.

For more information, please visit www.technologyqueenstown.com

The Role
Reporting to the Chair, you will be the ‘keeper of the flame’ taking Technology Queenstown from concept to reality and delivering on its ambitious goals.

In this role you will drive TQ’s medium and long-term growth strategies while also rolling up your sleeves to ensure TQ delivers short-term gains to the region. You will lead the day to day running of the agency, recruit a small team, and build national and international relationships to foster corporate interest and attract talent to the region. You will also develop fundraising initiatives with major corporate members to build TQ’s financial reserves.

Skills and Experience
To succeed in this role, you will have demonstratable commercial acumen and will be a forward-thinking strategic leader who is equally able to deliver on a business plan. Living in an alpine environment with a passionate and diverse community will be of interest to you and you will be comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment and building TQ from the ground up. Engaging with a wide range of stakeholders will be second nature to you, from aspiring startups to corporate sponsors, multinational CEOs and government agencies, and you will naturally manage this in an authentic and respectful manner.

Technical skills such as writing code are not prerequisites to selection; however, proven experience in building a tech business, supplying key services within the sector, writing and advocating tech sector policy, and being able to speak the language of the tech community are perceived as highly relevant.

To view the job description please copy this link into your browser

To Apply
If you are drawn by this unique opportunity apply now by submitting your cover letter and CV by clicking on the appropriate ‘Apply’ button. Initial confidential enquiries are welcome by phoning Nick Carter on +64 27 591 3422 or Jennifer Middleton on +64 21 221 8528.

Applications for this role close June 30th, 2024.