Policy Director | Commerce, Consumer and Business

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 179,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking government agency committed to shaping New Zealand's economic future. As a Policy Director, you will influence key regulatory settings and collaborate with senior leaders to drive impactful policy initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with Ministers and stakeholders, ensuring that policies align with the Government's growth agenda. Your expertise in regulatory policy and strategic thinking will be essential in navigating complex challenges. If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to take your career to the next level, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

KiwiSaver

Wellness Benefits

Qualifications

• Significant experience in leading policy work at senior levels.
• Ability to develop effective relationships with Ministers and stakeholders.
• In-depth understanding of the policy development process.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy and regulatory work across various areas.
• Support the General Manager and collaborate with the leadership team.
• Engage with stakeholders to inform policy advice.

Skills

Regulatory Policy

Policy Design

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Thinking

Economics Knowledge

Interpersonal Skills

Political Acumen

Policy Development Process

Job description

Come join us and make a difference to New Zealanders

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Influence the policy and regulatory settings that underpin trade and commerce in New Zealand
• Unique opportunity to shape policies front and centre to the Government’s Going for Growth agenda
• 18 month fixed term/secondment position based in Wellington CBD
• Salary Band: $179,391 - $224,239 (midpoint) plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits. We are looking to appoint up to midpoint.

About the Role:

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced policy professional to take the lead as a Policy Director working across a range of stimulating policy and regulatory areas that are core for business.

MBIE’s Commerce, Consumer and Business (CCB) branch is the Government’s lead advisor on the commercial environment that all New Zealand businesses and consumers operate in. We look after the laws and institutions that guide how businesses and consumers interact with each other including competition, fair trading and consumer guarantees, financial conduct, corporate governance, and intellectual property. We are also the lead policy advisor for small business and manufacturing, working with these sectors to help support their growth.

The Policy Director is a senior position in the CCB branch whose role it is to support the General Manager, work collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure delivery on key policy priorities, and help set the strategic direction for the branch. The role is Minister-facing and presents significant opportunities for those looking for a senior level career in policy.

We have a great culture and are looking for a team-player that can work collaboratively to get things done. We put a lot of focus on talking to our stakeholders, and understanding what is actually happening in the marketplace to inform our advice.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Significant experience in leading policy work at senior levels, in particular regulatory policy and policy design
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders
• Experience managing the delivery and landing of advice and tasks with senior managers, Ministers and stakeholders
• Strategic thinking skills and the ability to make connections within and between work programmes across the branch and wider organisation
• Background/knowledge in economics and/or the commercial sector
• The desire to work on whole-of-organisation, whole-of-government and whole-of-public sector issues
• Demonstrated political nous and pragmatism
• Ability to lead complex policy and strategy work programmes, and anticipate the needs of Ministers
• In-depth understanding of the policy development process, including stakeholder consultation processes
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills allowing you to influence critical decision makers such as Ministers and senior sector leaders, and drive change
• Extensive knowledge and experience of machinery of government

About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Email Monica Chow at [e-mail] quoting ref MBIE/17217 if you have any further questions.

Applications close at 11:59 PM on Monday, 12th May 2025.