Programme Director, Plant Health and Environment Capability | Wellington City

Job Description

Job title: Programme Director – Plant Health and Environment Capability

Role type: Fixed-term, full time

Fixed Term: September 2025 - April 2029

Location: Wellington City

Also open to Auckland based applicants

Salary band & range Z: $189,432 - $252,907 per annum depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Biosecurity New Zealand is seeking an experienced Programme Director to lead the next phase of delivery for the Plant Health and Environment Capability (PHEC) Programme – a several hundred-million-dollar infrastructure and business transformation programme that will deliver a state-of-the-art high-biocontainment facility in Auckland and scheduled to be operational in 2029.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of biosecurity in Aotearoa by delivering fit-for-purpose, resilient, and future-ready biocontainment facilities, capabilities, and systems. You will play a pivotal role in a complex programme that spans construction, systems development, and organisational change, with high visibility across government and industry.

The Programme Director will drive delivery of the programme, oversee construction and complex business transformation initiatives, ensuring robust governance, strategic risk management, and stakeholder engagement. They will lead a high-performing team, manage relationships across government and industry, and provide expert advice to senior leadership and governance boards.

Due to the nature of this role, some domestic travel will be required at times.

About You - Mōu

You are an experienced leader with a proven track record in delivering complex, cross-agency initiatives that drive meaningful change. You will bring:

• Previous experience leading business transformation programmes, including operating models, ICT, culture and behaviour change
• Strategic leadership and governance
• Financial and risk management
• Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders and communities

While not essential, some experience in infrastructure delivery would be advantageous. You will possess a sound understanding of public sector operations and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

While the role is based in Wellington, we also welcome applications from candidates based in Auckland.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Reporting to the Director Strategy, Performance and Treaty Partnerships, you will have a team of up to 20 staff, including 5 direct reports.

This team brings together expertise in programme management, business transformation, construction and subject matter specialisation to ensure the successful delivery of a complex and future-focused biosecurity initiative.

Together, the team operates in a collaborative, outcomes-focused environment, committed to delivering infrastructure and capability that protects New Zealand's environment and supports the Ministry's strategic goals.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
• Professional membership reimbursement

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance (Confidential)

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Credit check - Tirotiro nama

Please note, given this position is identified as carrying financial risk, the preferred candidate(s) will be required to satisfactorily pass a credit check.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 24 August.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Louise.Devine@mpi.govt.nz 

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