Kaiwhakahaere Manager

Influential opportunity - be a change agent for the waste sector
- Permanent role leading our Waste Policy & Regulatory team
- Ideally Wellington-based, however national location flexibility considered

Aotearoa New Zealand and the world are waking up to the problems being created by our current approach to managing waste. The Manatū Mō Te Taiao | Ministry for the Environment is responsible for leading the Government's work in this complex area, which has major implications for our environment, economy and how we live our lives.
Waste is one of the greatest challenges of our time. We use too much waste and pollute too much - and this has negative impacts on the environment. It means there will be fewer resources available to future generations. Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the highest generators of waste per person in the world, and the amount of waste we create is increasing. New Zealanders want to do better.
The Waste and Resource Efficiency section of the Ministry is meeting this challenge through an ambitious and cutting-edge work programme. We have a permanent opportunity available to lead our existing Waste Policy and Regulatory team within our Waste and Resource Efficiency business unit. Our team are working collaboratively across the Ministry to reform the Waste Minimisation Act and finalise and implement the New Zealand Waste Strategy.
Reporting to the Director of Regulatory and Policy, and in collaboration with our leadership cohort you will be a change agent for the waste sector and play a key role in leading talented people to provide strategic and legislative direction. Our stakeholders and partners are diverse, but you will primarily work with the waste sector, local government and non Government organisations to transform the waste legislative settings. Your talent in leadership and engagement will not go unnoticed. Experience leading previous waste legislative reforms could be of benefit.

Mō mātou | About the Waste Policy and Regulatory team
The key purpose of the team is to provide the legislative settings and strategic direction to help transition Aotearoa New Zealand waste sector to a circular economy. Key tasks include;
- Help drive our transition to a low waste, low emissions economy by reforming the Waste Minimisation Act
- Finalise and implement a new Waste Strategy
- Support the Waste Advisory Board.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
While knowledge of the waste industry would be desirable, we are ideally seeking a leader with a proven track record of development and delivery in the public sector and in particular, legislative policy.

**Alongside this, we are seeking**:

- Extensive experience leading a team or the delivery of a significant work programme
- Experience with developing, implementing and overseeing policy change, ensuring a work programme that is well planned and intellectually and evidentially robust
- Extensive experience with forging, leading and maintaining a variety of partnerships and relationships, both internal and external, to support programme outcomes
- A passion for developing people to be the best that they can be and continuing to build a positive team culture
- Ability to operate with a high degree of accountability and judgement
- An understanding of Te Ao Māori and appetite to champion this in our team and with our relationships with Te Tiriti partners and stakeholders
- Understanding of the machinery of government, the Crown's obligation to Māori, and the role and work of the Ministry.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range
Salary range for this role is from $155,491 to $190,044 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE
- a flexible by default approach to create a healthy work-life blend
- agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE'
- generous leave entitlements
- active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network
- opportunities for development and education.

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.

Mō mātou | About us
The Ministry's purpose is He taiao tōnui mō ngā reanga katoa - a flourishing environment for every generation.
A key priority for the Ministry is building Te Ao Māori capability. This means we work with our Treaty partners to advance Māori priorities for the environment and for environmental success. We will be confident and coordinated in our ongoing engagement with Māori and lead the natural resources system in engaging for success with tangata whenua. We will grow our capability and capacity to accurately reflect Māori views in our work. We accurately reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori into our everyday work, by del