Head of Technical Policy

5 days ago

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Beef + Lamb New Zealand Full time NZ$120,000 - NZ$180,000 per year

Passion, integrity, and a genuine desire to do our best for farmers is what drives us at Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).  We are 100% farmer-owned and funded and work on behalf of New Zealand's sheep and beef producers. Our vision is for thriving sheep and beef farmers, now and into the future.  Beef + Lamb New Zealand's investments play a critical role in underpinning New Zealand's second biggest export sector.

Are you passionate about shaping the future of New Zealand's sheep and beef sector? Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to join our Policy & Advocacy team as Head of Technical Policy.

In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic leadership on B+LNZ's work on technical policy issues, including biosecurity, animal welfare, traceability, food safety, and market access.

You'll lead the development of B+LNZ's policy positions, represent farmers' interests at senior government and industry forums, and influence outcomes that matter for sheep and beef farmers.

What you'll do

  • Drive the strategic direction and implementation of B+LNZ's technical policy priorities.
  • Represent B+LNZ on key senior level committees and governance boards, ensuring strong biosecurity frameworks and effective regulatory systems.
  • Provide authoritative advice to senior leadership and the Board, anticipating emerging risks and opportunities.
  • Engage with farmers to ensure their voices are heard and reflected in policy decisions.
  • Lead and mentor the Senior Technical Policy Advisor, fostering a high-performing team.

What we're looking for

  • Proven experience in senior policy roles (10+ years), with deep expertise in technical policy areas.
  • Strong leadership skills and ability to influence at senior levels across government and industry.
  • A tertiary qualification (preferably post-graduate) in biological sciences, agricultural science, or food technology.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including a good network of existing relationships with Government and industry at senior levels.
  • A commitment to advancing the success and prosperity of New Zealand's sheep and beef industry.

Ideally based in Wellington. You will be required to travel to represent Beef + Lamb New Zealand and participate in regional and national collaborative processes or similar forums.   

What we offer

This career move builds your expertise in a field that contributes to one of New Zealand's most important export industries, and the New Zealand economy. We offer a competitive remuneration and excellent employee benefits including additional leave entitlements, a fully-subsidised life insurance policy, and a work culture that values and rewards passion, integrity, professionalism and strong workplace relationships based on respect and whānau.

To view the job description, please click here.

Applications close - 12noon, Monday 8 December 2025.

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