Principal Adviser Strategic Delivery and Operating Model

Job title: Principal Adviser - Strategic Delivery and Operating Model

Role type: Permanent, full time

Location: Wellington

Salary band & range: General Salary Range B - $138,938 to $186,493 depending on skills and experience

We are seeking a transformation professional to support the modernisation of our border. As Principal Adviser you will utilise your significant experience and skills to develop and lead solutions that will play a pivotal role in ensuring operational readiness, smooth implementation and adoption.

As part of this role, you will:

• Join a passionate future focussed team to drive integrated system changes at our border

• Utilise your extensive professional experience in transformation to lead and deliver change for our people on the frontline

• Drive quality outcomes through collaboration, influence and engagement

Korero mo te turanga - About the role

Sitting within the Biosecurity Intelligence Systems & Response directorate of Biosecurity New Zealand, the Principal Adviser will support the development and implementation of modern, effective ways of working.

The Principal Adviser will lead cross-directorate project teams, bringing together the range of talents to deliver on key projects. This is a hands-on role that sees you being responsible for supporting our people in preparing for change and implementing the new operating model. As part of this you will ensure visibility of the workstream deliverables across the organisation, collaborating and consulting with business leaders to ensure the changes are embedded positively.

Key to success will be the development and maintenance of positive and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders (including unions, frontline staff and operational management) and relevant external relationships and networks.

Mou - About You

The Principal Adviser is a varied role combining positive engagement, creativity and development with strategy, planning, execution and analysis. You will bring proven experience to implement and embed successful change.

You're confident operating in complex environments, influencing across the organisation, and building trusted relationships. You're a strategic thinker with sound judgement, able to navigate ambiguity, prioritise effectively, and deliver tangible outcomes.

You will have an exceptional understanding and experience of operating model development, organisational change and business transformation, along with change management principles, methodologies and tools.

About MPI - Mo te Manatu Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries is helping to seize export opportunities for our primary industries, improve sector productivity, ensure the food we produce is safe, increase sustainable resource use, and protect New Zealand from biological risk.

Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te Mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days

• Ability to purchase extra annual leave

• Annual Wellness payment

Security checks - Nga Taki Whakahaumaru

Higher level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last ten (10) years, OR

• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher 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

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

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 Manatu 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.

For internal candidates please ensure your current manager is aware of your application

Applications close: 26 November 2025. You will need to be available for interviews the first week of December.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact