Head of Real Assets

Auckland, New Zealand Permanent

We are the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation. We are proud of our purpose: sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders. We invest government contributions to the New Zealand Super Fund, a global investment fund helping to ensure the country can pay for the growing cost of universal superannuation (New Zealand Superannuation) in the future. We also oversee the Elevate Fund, which invests in small, fast-growing New Zealand companies.

At the Guardians there's an energy, passion and a shared commitment to excellence: in 2025 the New Zealand Super Fund was named the world's best-performing sovereign wealth fund. The work is complex, innovative and intellectually stimulating.

In keeping with its long-term investment horizon and inter-generational nature, the Fund is growth-oriented and takes a sustainable finance approach. The Fund is invested globally in a wide range of investment strategies across public and private markets.

The Head of Real Assets at the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation (Guardians), leads a high impact portfolio across Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, setting strategy and elevating execution across the full investment lifecycle. Reporting to the Co-Chief Investment Officer and contributing as part of the Leadership Team, the role shapes portfolio direction, strengthens governance, and represents the Guardians in key internal and external forums in close partnership with adjacent functions across Investments and corporate teams.

The role and your impact

As a highly experienced investment professional, and as the Head of Real Assets you will define and execute the portfolio strategy and implementation plan in partnership with teams and colleagues from across the Guardians. This will require you to set clear priorities and performance standards for a high‑performing team. You will be a strategic leader who can provide leadership across adjacent investment functions to ensure seamless integration, contribute to organisation‑wide initiatives as a member of the Investment Committee, and embed best‑practice ESG, risk, compliance and governance in all activities.

Crucially you will drive active portfolio management and selective origination aligned with the Guardians' endowments investment strategy, including manager selection and monitoring. Cultivate senior relationships with investment partners, including iwi, government, peer funds and family offices, to secure access on favourable terms. Manage performance and risk on a "no surprises" basis, provide clear, evidence‑based recommendations to governance forums, and represent the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation (Guardians) credibly and at a senior level in external and internal settings.

About you

You will be an accomplished investment leader with excellent communication skills, strong self‑awareness, and the ability to set clear strategy while developing high‑performing teams. Your experience and expertise will mean you bring sound commercial judgement, deep relationship management capability, detailed knowledge of current market opportunities, and a thorough understanding of investment concepts and portfolio construction. Ideally your background includes significant experience engaging with shareholders, corporate valuations, and mergers and acquisitions, underpinned by disciplined risk management and a collegial, constructive style.

Application Process

Heidrick & Struggles is managing the appointment process for this role. To apply or express interest, please contact Blake Roberts at [email protected].

The Guardians encourages and welcomes applications from people with diverse experience, including applicants with specific disability needs. As a proudly committed equal opportunity employer, we challenge discrimination and actively work to eliminate bias in our hiring practices. Diversity of experience and diversity of background help us to solve complex problems and deliver on our purpose.

Job Identification: 1383

Closing date: 7 November 2025