Senior Advisor Operational Policy

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in Wellington is seeking a motivated Senior Advisor to develop operational policies for the space sector. This fixed-term role involves managing regulatory relationships and providing strategic insights. Candidates should have experience in regulatory environments and strong communication skills. The package includes a competitive salary ranging from $110,098 to $138,028, plus benefits.

Benefits

Wellness benefits

Kiwisaver

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a strategic and analytical role is required.
• Experience in a regulatory environment is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated relationship management skills with high initiative.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of operational policies and requirements.
• Monitor and improve the performance of the regulatory system.
• Manage regulatory relationships with licensed operators.
• Prepare advice for the Minister and mentor team members.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Coaching and mentoring

Education

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Shape New Zealand’s approach to regulating a new and dynamic sector
• Take a lead role engaging other regulators, policy makers and operational agencies in New Zealand and internationally
• Manage regulatory relationships with space sector operators
• Salary band: $110,098 - $138,028 plus Kiwisaver and wellness benefits
• Fixed term role out of Wellington to August 2026

About the Role

New Zealand’s regulatory system for space and high-altitude activities is new and developing fast, and offers many opportunities to apply and stretch your operational policy skills. We’re looking for an experienced, motivated Senior Advisor to join the Space Policy and Regulatory Systems Team on a fixed-term basis while we implement a new regulatory function.

In this role you will bridge the team’s policy and regulatory functions by:

• leading the development of operational policies that translate policy goals into operational requirements
• monitoring and identifying ways to improve the performance of the regulatory system, including to manage challenges arising from market, technology and regulatory developments in this fast-moving sector
• working closely with other local, national and international regulators, policy makers and operational agencies
• managing regulatory relationships with licensed operators
• preparing advice for the Minister
• coaching and mentoring other team members.

These activities will change over time, and you will need to have the skills and agility to work across a range of activities.

Why work for us?

Developing our staff is a key focus for MBIE. We aim to create a culture where staff members are empowered to bring fresh perspectives to issues and to think outside the box. MBIE offers significant opportunity for developing experience across a broad variety of areas. We encourage excellence and proactively support development through on-the-job learning, training courses, conferences and seminars, development programmes, secondments, rotations to other branches and study opportunities.

Skills and Experience Required

We are keen to hear from you if you have:

• Previous experience in a role requiring strategic thinking and analytical skills
• Experience in a regulatory environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and demonstrated relationship management skills
• A high level of initiative and personal organisation
• Experience in coaching and mentoring
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or equivalent relevant experience
• An understanding of engineering, international aviation or space industries and law would be advantageous
• Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

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 TeTiritio Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to TeTiritio 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.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email [e-mail] quoting ref MBIE/18358 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 3 October 2025