Director Regulatory Authorisations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Drive ambitious work programme focused on improving the regulatory function
• Future focused role leading complex regulatory change and delivery, and establishing a new directorate
• Full time, permanent role preferably based in Wellington, but other locations considered for the right candidate

Toitū te marae a Tāne, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata 

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive 

He angitūtanga | About the role

DOC's Policy and Regulatory Services Group has recently established two new directorates to lead the changes we need in our regulatory functions, and we are looking for two energetic and highly skilled leaders to take the helm. 

These new roles are pivotal for DOC, focusing on ensuring our regulatory systems are efficient, effective, and aligned with our goals – including making DOC better to work for and with.  Improving our regulatory performance is an organisational priority for DOC and we are implementing a multi-year programme of work to deliver better services. This includes clear operational policy and regulator strategy and guidance, faster processing and clearing backlogs, and setting then delivering on clear targets. It also includes longer term work developing new systems and models to deliver better outcomes, more efficiently and to improve charging for services and for private use of public conservation land. 

The role of the Regulatory Authorisations directorate is delivery of DOC's permissions and concessions functions including both approvals and compliance/enforcement.  This involves receiving, assessing, and making decisions on applications relating to concessions under the Conservation Act, Reserves Act approvals, and a range of permits including Wildlife Act permits, marine permits, mining permits and trade in endangered species permits. To deliver in this role, you will have experience leading regulatory functions, including where Treaty obligations are present, and in change management, and leading teams through complex systems change.  You will work closely with the Director of Regulatory Systems Performance to ensure that we deliver a seamless set of regulatory services across the two directorates, and in working with others across the Department who support the delivery of these functions, particularly our regional network.  You'll need strong people leader skills and a record of achievement in a fast-paced and complex regulatory environment.  You will be highly skilled in stakeholder management and engagement.  

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead establishment of a new directorate focused on continuous improvement
• Drive change in how we deliver regulatory services to ensure faster processing, better compliance and positive outcomes for the Crown and stakeholders
• Oversee conservation regulatory monitoring and enforcement
• Provide operational leadership during a period of change for effective delivery
• Identify and work on continuous improvement of regulatory functions, managing risks and seizing opportunities
• Lead effective multi-year planning and budgeting for the Directorate and assist managers in defining work programmes

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

To succeed in this role, you will possess strong leadership skills and experience, ideally gained leading teams through change, and extensive knowledge of regulatory environments. You will pick up the leadership helm with speed, keeping your team engaged through the process. It's vital that you're comfortable implementing change while supporting staff performance.

Key capabilities include:

• Understanding of regulatory systems, practices, concepts, and principles
• Knowledge of relevant legislation
• Senior operational leadership experience
• Awareness of how Treaty settlement commitments affect responsibilities
• Commercial and financial management expertise

Join us in this pivotal role at DOC, driving compliance strategies and making a positive impact for conservation.

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

You will join a fantastic, professional Group that is focused on the frameworks and settings for the conservation portfolio, including DOC's policy, legal, Treaty negotiations, and regulatory services functions, and which strives to be greater than the sum of its parts.  We have staff across New Zealand and work every day on highly diverse issues with Ministers, stakeholders, Māori, industry and scientists and technical advisors. 

DOC is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to wellbeing and professional development includes:

• Flexible working opportunities suited to your role
• Career development, secondment, and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance
• Great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment. A national security clearance may be required for this role.

Rā katinga | Applications close at at 11:59pm, Wednesday, 3 April 2024

Me he pātai anō | Further enquiries contact Tennile Toulson, ttoulson@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job Reference DOC/1783859