Lead - Implementation and Change (Fast-track)

This role is a fixed term position in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities.

Mo te turanga mahi | About the role

The Implementation & Change Lead - Fast-track System will lead the successful delivery and embedding of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill - a complex, high-profile, and politically significant reform at the centre of Aotearoa New Zealand's infrastructure and environmental system.

You'll design, coordinate, and drive the cross-agency implementation approach, ensuring the amended legislation is operationalised effectively and consistently across the system - from Ministers and central agencies to the EPA, councils, iwi partners, and project proponents.

This role sits at the intersection of policy, legislation, and system delivery. You'll translate legislative and policy intent into real-world practice - leading implementation planning, system guidance, communications, and change management across multiple organisations and user groups.

You'll work closely with Ministry and cross-agency leadership teams, the Environmental Protection Authority and across the public sector to ensure the system operates efficiently, decisions are timely, and system users are supported to adapt to new processes.

Skills and experience

• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, complex implementation and change programmes in the public sector or equivalent.
• Proven ability to translate complex legislative or policy reform into operational delivery and system change.
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills - able to quickly build credibility and trust across Ministers' offices, senior officials, and external partners.
• Experience leading system or sector-wide change, including developing implementation frameworks, guidance, and communications for diverse user groups.
• Exceptional planning, coordination, and prioritisation skills, with the ability to deliver at pace in a high-stakes, politically sensitive environment.
• Experience designing and embedding new processes and practices to achieve system improvements and measurable outcomes.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills with a solution-focused, can-do attitude.
• Experience working collaboratively across central and local government and with iwi/Maori partners is highly desirable

Whanuitanga Utu a-Tau | Salary range

Salary range for this role is $201,261 to $243,868 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

Nga hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as `One MfE'
• active employee networks including Maori Ropu, 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.

Tono inaianei | Apply now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

If you require further information about this position please contact The position description is available via our careers centre

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you. Please contact us at if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Ra Katinga | Applications close: Wednesday 19th November 2025