Chief Commercial Officer

Fixed-term / Secondment - to June 2027

Lead one of Aotearoa's most significant system reforms. Transforming New Zealand's planning and environmental management system is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive better outcomes for New Zealanders.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the Role

We're seeking a visionary Āpiha Arumoni Matua / Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to shape and deliver the commercial strategy for the Resource Management System Transformation Programme. This is a rare opportunity to influence system-wide reform, ensuring robust governance, strategic supplier partnerships, and sustainable commercial outcomes that deliver long-term public benefit.

Your experience and leadership will shape the future of environmental and planning systems in Aotearoa. You'll work alongside senior leaders, Ministers, iwi/Māori, and industry partners to deliver transformative outcomes for generations to come.

As CCO, you'll lead high-value negotiations, embed best-practice procurement beyond transactional approaches, and champion innovation across agencies, councils, iwi/Māori, and industry partners. Your work will set the commercial foundations for enduring sector change.

In this role you will:

• Develop and execute the programme's commercial strategy, aligned with government priorities.

• Establish governance for strategic supplier relationships and negotiate complex agreements.

• Drive system-level commercial outcomes across central/local government, iwi/Māori, and industry.

• Ensure compliance with legislative and government commercial standards.

• Lift commercial capability and foster innovation across agencies.

• Embed te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and Māori perspectives in all commercial frameworks.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Proven leadership of large-scale, strategic commercial programmes in complex environments.

• Expertise in strategic sourcing, procurement, and high-value negotiations.

• Strong political acumen and stakeholder engagement skills, including iwi/Māori partnerships.

• Experience applying te Tiriti o Waitangi in policy and operations.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and influence at the highest levels.

• Relevant tertiary qualification in commercial management, procurement or equivalent experience.

• Eligibility for NZ Government security clearance.

For more information about the transformation of the planning and environmental management system - check out this article on our website:  

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

• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as 'One MfE'

• 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.

Tono ināianei | 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 Sally Morison via email 

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.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and may contact candidates prior to the role closing.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Sunday 11 January 2026 @ 5pm