Team Leader Certification

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI); Auckland; On-site; NZD 113,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Team Leader for their Certification North team in Auckland. This pivotal role involves overseeing the issuance of export certificates for animal products, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The successful candidate will foster a culture of continuous improvement and lead a dedicated team in a high-pressure environment. With a focus on quality service and stakeholder management, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the public sector. Join a diverse organization committed to protecting New Zealand's interests while enjoying a range of benefits and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Additional MPI leave days

Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes

Professional membership reimbursement

Qualifications

• Lead a team of veterinary certifiers ensuring high-quality certification services.
• Manage day-to-day operations and maintain a positive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Issue official health certificates and eligibility documents for exporters.
• Lead and motivate your team to deliver professional customer service.
• Identify opportunities for quality and operational improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Veterinary Knowledge

Stakeholder Management

Education

Registered Veterinarian

Job description

Job Description

Team Leader Certification

Role Type: Permanent, Full-time

Location: Auckland MPI Centre

Salary Range: VTS 6: $113,838 progressing to $142,297 per annum - Depending on skills and experience of the successful applicant

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We have an exciting opportunity for a veterinarian to lead the Certification North team based in Auckland and Hamilton. This team plays an important part in the New Zealand public sector, where you will issue export certificates for animal products to facilitate trade from New Zealand to overseas countries.

Reporting to the Certification Team Manager, this position plays an important role in creating a great working environment for staff, while ensuring that all expected operational, quality, project and certification outcomes are delivered. As a strong leader, you will promote a culture of continuous improvement and a solution-focused mindset, to ensure a high level of quality and service in your team. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail will be essential in succeeding in this role, as well as a demonstrated ability to manage staff in a high throughput technical environment.

As Team Leader Certification North, you will lead a team of veterinary certifiers capable of delivering nationally consistent, high-quality certification services. This position works within the national Certification team, alongside two other Team Leaders and a Specialist Adviser - Certification. The Certification team collaborates with Bilateral Relations & Trade and Food Assurance to deliver certification that meets regulatory and Overseas Market Access Requirements for all animal products including meat, seafood, honey, and dairy.

This is an office-based role at the Auckland MPI Centre, working Monday to Friday between 8.00am – 5.00pm typically.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and make a difference. If you want to become part of a diverse and fascinating organisation that offers a wide range of exciting career options and want to make a real difference, then apply and join us on our journey to grow and protect New Zealand!

The following key tasks will be part of your role:

1. Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department
2. Lead and motivate your team to deliver a professional standard of customer service, maintaining a positive and cooperative attitude towards clients and team members
3. Issue official assurances in the form of electronic health certificates and eligibility documents for exporters and RMP business operators
4. Keep up to date on Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMAR) notifications
5. Ensure that official assurances issued are valid and withstand third-party audits
6. Accept accountability for decisions and actions in discharging legal powers and duties as specified in the Animal Products Act
7. Handle calls and emails from clients, troubleshoot, and provide guidance
8. Investigate complaints and non-conformances and complete corrective actions
9. Identify opportunities for quality, operational, and efficiency improvements

About the Team - Reporting to the Team Manager, Certification, the role sits within the Circuit & Specialists group of the Verification Services directorate. MPI Verification Services (MPI VS) provides food safety and biosecurity verification and certification services to support market access strategies and standards.

About You - Mōu

We seek a candidate who can lead people, demonstrate strong judgment and decision-making skills, and work collaboratively with a diverse team of specialists and external operators. The successful candidate will be:

• A registered Veterinarian with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand
• Highly motivated and professional, with a drive to deliver world-class service
• Solutions-focused with problem-solving skills and adaptability under pressure
• Committed to continuous improvement and quality
• Excellent in communication and interpersonal skills
• Experienced in managing stakeholder relationships
• Trustworthy, resilient, adaptable, and open-minded

About MPI - Our role includes seizing export opportunities, improving sector productivity, ensuring food safety, promoting sustainability, and protecting New Zealand from biological risks.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
• Professional membership reimbursement

See the benefits of working at MPI.

Ready for this exciting opportunity? - Are you prepared to make a difference?

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau, and hāpori. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Please include in your cover letter your values, interests, motivations, strengths, and perspectives, including those gained outside of work.

To view the position description and apply online, click “Apply” or visit the MPI Careers Site. You must have the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible for a visa. For more info, click here.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 25 May 2025.

Questions? Email [e-mail]

Follow MPI on social media: Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X