Senior Regulatory Policy & Operations Lead

DOC; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 94,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

DOC seeks a Senior Regulatory Operational Policy Advisor to shape conservation regulation during major reform. You will bridge legislation, policy and operational delivery, translating complex changes into practical settings across the regulatory system.

Working with policy, legal and operational colleagues, you will lead high‑profile initiatives, advise senior decision-makers, and help engage with Treaty partners to support Māori involvement in our work.

Qualifications

• Experience in regulatory policy, operational policy or similar regulatory environment.
• Experience leading complex work programmes and autonomous delivery.
• Ability to interpret legislation and translate policy into practical implementation.
• Strong analytical and relationship-management skills.
• Experience advising senior decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Willingness to engage with Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex operational policy work to support conservation law reform and regulatory modernisation.
• Translate legislative and policy changes into effective operational regulatory settings.
• Provide evidence-based advice on regulatory issues to senior stakeholders.
• Build relationships across policy, legal, operational and regulatory teams.
• Mentor team members and support Treaty partner engagement.

Skills

Regulatory policy

Operational policy

Public policy

Legislation interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Senior advisory advice

Māori engagement

Job description

DOC seeks a Senior Regulatory Operational Policy Advisor to shape conservation regulation during major reform. You will bridge legislation, policy and operational delivery, translating complex changes into practical settings across the regulatory system.

Working with policy, legal and operational colleagues, you will lead high‑profile initiatives, advise senior decision-makers, and help engage with Treaty partners to support Māori involvement in our work.