Head of Traceability

JacksonStone & Partners; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

OSPRI in Wellington seeks a Head of Traceability to lead the delivery and continuous improvement of the organisation's traceability programmes, including NAIT. You will shape strategy, ensure governance, and balance priorities with operational realities while building a high-performing team.

You will collaborate with industry, government and delivery partners to deliver practical solutions that benefit farmers and the biosecurity system, driving tangible value and sustainable impact for New

Qualifications

• Proven success leading delivery of large-scale or complex programmes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across diverse groups.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with execution and results.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of OSPRI's traceability programmes, including NAIT and other initiatives.
• Translate strategic priorities into executable programmes, plans and measurable outcomes.
• Drive programme performance through governance, planning, risk management and benefits realisation.
• Lead enhancements of traceability systems, standards, processes and operational arrangements.
• Build trusted relationships with shareholders, funders, government agencies, industry leaders and partners.
• Identify and develop future opportunities that strengthen NZ's traceability capability and value to farmers.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Programme delivery

Strategic thinking

Job description

• Drive the delivery of a nationally significant traceability programme.
• Create meaningful value for farmers, industry and New Zealand's biosecurity system.
• Lead a high-performing team while shaping the future direction of traceability.

About OSPRI

OSPRI is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with industry, government and farmers to deliver nationally important disease management and traceability programmes.

Through its work, OSPRI helps protect New Zealand's livestock industries, strengthens biosecurity readiness, and supports the long-term success and sustainability of the farming sector.

About the Role

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Strategy & Programmes, the Head of Traceability leads the delivery and continuous improvement of OSPRI's traceability programmes, including NAIT. This is a critical leadership role focused on executing OSPRI's traceability strategy through effective programme delivery, stakeholder engagement and people leadership, while positioning the organisation for future opportunities.

You will ensure programme objectives are achieved through strong governance, execution, stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership. You will work across industry, government and delivery partners to navigate complex issues, build alignment and deliver practical solutions that balance strategic priorities with operational realities.

You'll lead and develop a talented team, building capability, accountability, and a high-performance culture that delivers results while remaining connected to OSPRI's purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of OSPRI's national traceability programmes, including NAIT, ASD and wider traceability initiatives.
• Translate strategic priorities into executable programmes, plans and measurable outcomes.
• Drive programme performance through effective governance, planning, risk management and benefits realisation.
• Lead the ongoing enhancement of traceability systems, standards, processes and operational arrangements.
• Build trusted relationships with shareholders, funders, government agencies, industry leaders and delivery partners.
• Identify and develop future opportunities that strengthen New Zealand's traceability capability and deliver greater value to farmers and industry.
• Champion a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture aligned to OSPRI's values.

About You

You are a pragmatic and influential leader with experience delivering complex programmes in environments that require strong stakeholder management and organisational leadership.

You will bring:

• Proven success leading the delivery of large-scale or complex programmes, ideally within biosecurity, regulatory, compliance, primary sector or public sector environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse groups.
• Demonstrable success leading and developing high-performing teams.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with a strong focus on execution and results.

Why join OSPRI?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a nationally significant programme that sits at the heart of New Zealand's livestock industries.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Deliver outcomes that strengthen New Zealand's biosecurity system.
• Create tangible value for farmers and industry.
• Lead a talented and committed team.
• Work within a collaborative, purpose-driven organisation committed to protecting New Zealand's agricultural future.

If you're a proven people leader with the credibility to lead complex programmes, navigate competing stakeholder interests and deliver meaningful outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 5pm 12 October 2027

REFERENCE: BH- 11805

FURTHER ENQUIRIES – Ben Stevenson 0211015480