General Manager – Policy & Government Relations

Everest People; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An agricultural organization focused on dairy in Wellington seeks a General Manager – Policy & Government Relations. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team and develop strategies for effective advocacy and government relations. The role requires strong leadership, negotiation skills, and expertise in policy change. Join a passionate team making a difference in New Zealand's dairy sector.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working

Employee-centric staff wellbeing programme

Professional development available for all employees

Culture capability (Māori) personal development

EAP services

Whānau-first philosophy including access to discretionary leave

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in policy, government relations, or public affairs with high-level engagement.
• Proven ability to navigate complex political environments.
• Expertise in identifying emerging trends and issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team and develop effective policy strategies.
• Oversee policy development and government relations.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Policy advocacy

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Public Affairs or related discipline

Job description

Overview

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to a high-performing team.
• Champion DairyNZ’s voice in policy, advocacy, and government engagement.
• Influence change and protect the future of dairy through collaboration, innovation, and trusted relationships.

About DairyNZ

DairyNZ is progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming – Te whanake anamata angitu mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and innovative in their thought leadership, motivated by their vision and a desire to see communities benefit from a thriving dairy sector. With a keen eye on the changing dynamics of society, lifestyle, and demand, they strive to stay ahead of the curve, creating a positive future for generations to come. At DairyNZ, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation, working alongside talented professionals who care deeply about the future of dairy farming in New Zealand.

About the Role

To amplify impact and leadership, we are seeking a General Manager – Policy & Government Relations; an influential executive who will shape and champion DairyNZ’s policy, advocacy, and government relations across local, national, and international stages.

Reporting to the CEO, you will:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, building capability through a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.
• Develop and implement strategies that bring DairyNZ’s vision to life and drive change through effective policy and advocacy.
• Oversee multiple teams, including:
• Policy & Advocacy – providing strategic oversight and delivery of policy development, advocacy, and leadership of central government and regional council responses.
• Government Relations – leading DairyNZ’s engagement with regional and central government.
• Biosecurity – partnering to ensure robust systems and responses to protect the dairy sector.
• Foster and maintain high-value relationships, acting as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders and representing DairyNZ at the highest levels, including national and international forums.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration, evaluating delivery and making improvements to connect, align, and inspire.
• Be a trusted advisor to the leadership team, providing strategic counsel and amplifying key campaigns, initiatives, and stakeholder events.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced and future-focused leader who understands the power of policy, advocacy, and engagement to drive meaningful change.

You will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Public Affairs, Political Science, Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in policy, government relations, or public affairs, including high-level stakeholder engagement.
• Experience operating as part of an executive leadership team.
• Proven ability to navigate complex political and business environments with diplomacy and influence.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to achieve strategic outcomes in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Expertise in environmental scanning and identifying emerging trends and issues.
• Credibility within the primary industry, nationally and internationally.
• Business and commercial acumen, including managing large budgets.
• Programme leadership and governance across multiple projects.
• Strong relationship-building skills across government and industry partners.
• A genuine affinity for dairy farming and an understanding of its role in New Zealand’s economy.

Why DairyNZ?

You will be part of a passionate and supportive team where your expertise will directly contribute to better futures for farmers and communities across New Zealand. DairyNZ offers a flexible, values-led work environment where innovation, learning, and people come first.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Employee-centric staff wellbeing programme.
• Professional development available for all employees.
• Culture capability (Māori) personal development.
• EAP services.
• Whānau-first philosophy including access to discretionary leave for life’s “curve balls”.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

For further information or a confidential conversation, contact Senga Allen on 0272104212.