Policy Manager

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you an experienced policy leader with a drive to fix complex regulations for Aotearoa's natural heritage?
• Lead a high-performing team to deliver once-in-a-generation reform of the conservation land management system
• Salary range between $126,896 - $180,611 depending on skills and experience
• Permanent full time, Wellington location

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitūtanga | About the role

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for conservation? Join us in a rare opportunity to lead the generational reform of Aotearoa's conservation land management system.

As Policy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of conservation policy. You will lead the Regulatory Systems Policy team within DOC, driving the success of a high-priority work programme that influences key conservation and economic outcomes.

The team plays a critical role in managing the regulation of public conservation land, which comprises a third of Aotearoa's land area. You will lead the team in reforming the regulatory system to simplify it, improve conservation and economic outcomes, and address frustrations among Treaty partners and users of the system. This includes advising on Treaty policy, economic tourism initiatives, and managing critical regulatory functions.

The position will be focussed on:

• Lead & Inspire: Manage and motivate a high-performing team, creating a collaborative, results-driven culture while overseeing the delivery of the Minister of Conservation's priority reforms and the team's regulatory stewardship role.
• Strategic Direction: Shape policy outcomes by providing high-quality advice to Ministers that aligns with DOC's mission and government goals, including delivering impactful advice on key reform proposals and complex regulatory matters.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Treaty partners, ensuring DOC's views are heard and progressing complex regulatory policy thinking.
• Coaching & Development: Guide and mentor team members to enhance their policy expertise, ensuring they can deliver quality outcomes and contribute to the wider goals of DOC's regulatory functions.
• Policy Leadership: Oversee and drive complex policy projects, identifying risks and opportunities while ensuring the team's work supports DOC's mission and broader government goals in conservation and economic outcomes.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experienced policy practitioner, able to analyse complex policy issues and navigate policy processes & development
• Experienced policy manager, with proven ability to lead, set clear goals, and empower teams to deliver quality results at all levels, including ministerial
• Strong ability to establish and maintain relationships with Ministers, Treaty Partners, and stakeholders
• Skilled in developing practical policy solutions and driving delivery
• Expertise in building influential networks within DOC and externally
• Solid understanding of the machinery of government
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori, with experience working with tangata whenua

Mō te tīma | About the team 

The Policy and Regulatory Services Group provides strategic direction and thought leadership for DOC and for the conservation system. It is charged with leading reform of the conservation land system. The team leads advice across Treaty policy matters, and significant economic and tourism policy initiatives such as the Milford Opportunities Project. The team brings together expertise across DOC, other government agencies, Treaty partners and stakeholders.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  
You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know. 

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

The salary range for this position is $126,896.00 - $180,611.00  with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday, 11 April 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Emily Blokker, Senior Recruitment Advisor eblokker@doc.govt.nz   

Taupānga | Job reference: 6000/52000