Business Performance and Finance Director ORGANISATION & ROLE SPECIFICATION

The Organisation AgResearch is one of New Zealands leading research organisations. It operates internationally, and has formal research collaboration agreements with more than 100 organisations around the world. With an outstanding team of scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff, they have a track record of conducting excellent scientific research and producing commercially-relevant technologies. The organisation has nearly 800 staff who provide world class research and technology capabilities which, in some areas, are unique in their scope which extends from pasture to plate. At a national level AgResearch has a broad network of collaborations and their people are involved in a significant number of industry Government research initiatives. The Governments recent Crown Research Institute (CRI) reforms mean AgResearch has a new strategic direction and clearer expectations - expectations that the CRIs will be well connected with the users of science and will deliver relevant science research. There is a new business model, organisation design and a new leadership team. Importantly the new strategic plan has a core focus on forging research-industry partnerships, which are vital to the success of New Zealands world class pastoral sector. Listening to the key stakeholders has led to confirmation that the partnership between the pastoral sector, scientific research and agricultural technology is key to the success of New Zealand agriculture. Importantly AgResearch is embarking on a transformation which will ultimately lead to a culture which is more externally focused and centred on enduring partnerships. As part of their restructure and transformation, AgResearch requires a capable individual for the newly created role of Business Performance and Finance Director to play a pivotal role in leading a clearer focus on business performance aligned with strategic imperatives. This is a key part of the executive team who will be charged with leading the desired cultural change. AgResearch has strong financial skills, good systems and strengths in data collection and tracking and is on track in terms of meeting financial targets. However, the organisation is working towards greater strategic context with respect to building performance and finance reporting. In the short term AgResearch also seeks to realign assets with strategy, including a likely $80-90m expenditure on campus development. At the early stages of a three year journey of change AgResearch has a strong board which is also realistic about the timeframes for the reforms of the organisation.

For more information see www.AgResearch.co.nz

The Role Based in either Hamilton (preferred), Palmerston North, Lincoln (Canterbury) or Invermay (Dunedin) and reporting to the Chief Executive, the Business Performance and Finance Directors core focus will be on business performance. This role will effectively be the co-pilot to the CEO in leading and monitoring the performance of the business. In addition the role is responsible for planning, finance, risk and AgResearchs investment portfolio. The Business Performance & Finance Director will have strong interface with the board and shareholders of the organisation. They will report to the board on strategic performance matters, and lead annual quarterly reporting to shareholders and ministers. Key areas of focus will include: Development of operational business plans in line with the AgResearch strategy; Clear and simple reporting particularly around investment management; process, metrics and frameworks for clarity of decision making and monitoring; development of monitoring and reporting mechanisms to drive business performance; Management of AgResearchs investment and commercialisation portfolio Asking the right questions and leading culture change in this regard such that people are starting to ask the right questions and people have respect for the questions being asked by the CFO; leading change in mindset and driving thinking strategically around decisions and investing for outcomes

Value Proposition The value proposition of this role is centred on the sector, the organisation, and the role. The sector: New Zealands primary sector is at the heart of the countrys national psyche and economy and is vital in the future success of the New Zealand economy. The industry generates in excess of $20 billion in exports per annum, and therefore the sector is investing considerably. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of New Zealands most vital sector. The organisation: This is an opportunity for someone to come in right at the start of AgResearchs transformation process where there is an opportunity to make a significant impact. There is good clarity of context around what the CRIs objectives are and therefore good alignment throughout the sector for AgResearchs executive leaders to build on. The role: This is a brand new, influential, high level role, and a member of the Executive Team which will play a pivotal role in leading AgResearchs key strategic objectives including driving cultural change in the business. This is an opportunity to join AgResearch at a time when the organisation is at a pivotal point for strategic change and there is an appetite for fresh thinking and doing things differently. Success in this role could mean career development potential towards a CEO role in the future.

For more information see www.AgResearch.co.nz

CEOs leadership style: The CEOs style is one of building confidence around meeting commitments. He specifically appoints self-starters and leaves them to deliver. He is passionate about meeting commitments and has a strong focus on communication. As such, he will challenge his leadership team around regular communication to both their staff and to business partners to check they are still engaged on the journey. Measures of Success Key 12 month measures of success for this role will include: KPIs will have been rolled out which link to the organisation strategy; dashboards will have been implemented to ensure reporting on the right metrics Communication of the goal posts and building confidence through core delivery; The capex plan for the campus development will be well advanced and agreed with the shareholders Clear operations plan that focuses on delivery around the key drivers of the brusiness An investment plan aligned to strategy needs for roll out in calendar year 2012 Key three year measures of success for this role will include: One AgResearch will be real; capex questions and decision making will be evidence based Improved confidence in forecasting The Business Performance and Finance Director will be a key member of the leadership team; the leadership team will be working well together

Career Trajectory The career trajectory of the target individual will likely include achievements / accumulation of the following: A certified accountant with a relevant tertiary degree, along with a preference for post graduate qualification in business or strategy Previous experience in senior finance appointments in medium sized entities with a focus on strategic business planning and performance Exceptional people leadership achievements honed through experience in organisations which have gone through large scale change they will have had a role in developing a business performance mindset across an organisation Achievements in people development are also highly sought Strong project management skills

For more information see www.AgResearch.co.nz

Key Requirements In addition to the experience outlined in the career trajectory, the ideal candidate will bring: A proven ability to lead and motivate a team A high level of ambition, preferably towards taking on a CEO role in the near future A high degree of integrity Ability to operate in ambiguity Strong communication skills ability to persuade and influence at all levels Confidence to challenge Resilience Self-starter Innovative, visionary and forward thinking Collaborative and strong belief and trust in others

Contact Details The following team members at Kerridge & Partners are dedicated to this assignment: Jo Baxter, Partner Carrie Clarke, Research Associate Amanda Jeffs, Team Coordinator For further detail, or to express an interest in this opportunity, please contact Carrie Clarke in confidence on +64 9 969 9910 or email carrie@kerridgepartners.com.

For more information see www.AgResearch.co.nz