Director Regulatory Systems Performance

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead improvements in DOC's regulatory performance and a substantial delivery work programme
• Help establish a new directorate and new ways of working as a regulator
• Full time, permanent role preferably based in Wellington with potential for other locations 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 Systems Performance branch is to set strategy for DOC's regulatory functions, establish the ‘rules of the game' settings within current legislative and policy settings for regulatory decision-making and permissions functions, undertake statutory planning and marine protection functions that determine the rules that apply to different parts of public conservation land and waters, protect conservation through resource management processes, and monitor system performance. 

The Director Regulatory Systems Performance will need to work collaboratively with the Director Authorisations to ensure that we deliver a 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.  In addition, the Director will need to work effectively with the Directors of Policy on improvements to regulatory policy settings and the impacts of policy changes on system performance.  

He kōrero mōu | What we are looking for

You'll need strong leadership experience, particularly in managing change and regulatory system design, and extensive knowledge of delivery in a regulatory environment including where Treaty obligations are present.  Being able to implement change and a continuous improvement approach while leading people will be crucial in this role. You will be highly skilled in stakeholder management and engagement and have a strong record of achievement in a busy regulator or operational policy role.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the establishment of a new directorate
• Leading and improving operational regulatory policy, system settings, and performance
• Overseeing regulatory systems to ensure they're effective and efficient
• Driving continuous improvement in our regulatory systems
• Developing ways of working to support the directorate's objectives
• 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             

• Strong leadership experience, especially in managing change and managing complex delivery functions
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory environments
• Ability to implement change while supporting staff
• Understanding of modern regulatory practices and legislation
• Awareness of DOC's role in Māori-Crown relationships and experience working with Māori as a regulator
• Ability to integrate information for decision-making
• Problem-solving skills

If you're resilient, pragmatic, and adaptable with the necessary experience, join us in this critical role at DOC.

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 will be required for this role.

Rā katinga | Applications close at at 11:59pm, Tuesday, 2 April 2024

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

Taupānga | Job Reference DOC/1783860