Senior Technical Adviser, Appraisals

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Additional MPI leave days

Annual Wellness payment

Bi-annual eye test & lenses support

NgāTakiWhakahaumaru security checks

Job summary

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking a Senior Technical Adviser, Appraisals in Wellington. You will join a team of technical food safety specialists and assess registration applications from food and animal product businesses under the Animal Products Act 1999 and Food Act 2014.

You’ll provide expert advice on food safety legislation, manage complex compliance matters, mentor team members, and collaborate with MPI, industry, local government, and other agencies to support safe and

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, hazard analysis and risk management.
• Experience analyzing technical information and making evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience building stakeholder relationships and delivering outcomes.
• Experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory environments.
• Experience leading complex technical or regulatory work.
• Mentoring or developing others.

Responsibilities

• Assess registration applications from food and animal product businesses against regulatory requirements under the Animal Products Act 1999 and Food Act 2014.
• Evaluate food safety risk management systems, including HACCP-based programmes.
• Provide expert advice on food safety legislation, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice.
• Manage complex compliance and regulatory matters involving registered businesses and recognised agencies.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across MPI, industry, local government, and recognised agencies.
• Contribute to policy development, operational improvements, and new regulatory initiatives.
• Lead complex assessments, projects, and regulatory decision-making processes.
• Mentor and support team members through technical guidance and coaching.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Mentoring or coaching

Problem-solving and judgement

Leadership of complex regulatory work

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology or related discipline

Job description

Senior Technical Adviser, Appraisals

Role type: Full-time, permanent
Location: Wellington

Salary band and range: General Salary Range D/E ($88,748 to $120,365)

About the Role

Kōrero mō te Tūranga. As a Senior Technical Adviser, you'll be part of a team of technical food safety specialists within the wider Approvals team in New Zealand Food Safety. You'll use your technical expertise to assess food and animal product businesses, support regulatory decision-making, and help ensure food produced in New Zealand is safe and suitable. In doing so, you'll play an important role in protecting public health and maintaining New Zealand's reputation as a trusted food producer.

In this role, you will:

• Assess registration applications from food and animal product businesses against regulatory requirements under the Animal Products Act 1999 and Food Act 2014.
• Evaluate food safety risk management systems, including HACCP-based programmes.
• Provide expert advice on food safety legislation, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice.
• Manage complex compliance and regulatory matters involving registered businesses and recognised agencies.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across MPI, industry, local government, and recognised agencies.
• Contribute to policy development, operational improvements, and new regulatory initiatives.
• Lead complex assessments, projects, and regulatory decision-making processes.
• Mentor and support team members through technical guidance and coaching.

About You

Mōu. We're looking for someone who can combine technical expertise with sound judgement, strong communication skills, and a practical approach to problem-solving.

Skills or experience you will bring:

• A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• A strong understanding of HACCP principles, hazard analysis, and food safety risk management systems.
• Experience analysing technical information, making evidence-based recommendations, and providing clear, practical advice.
• Building effective stakeholder relationships and deliver high-quality outcomes in a complex environment.
• Experience in food manufacturing, food processing, quality assurance, food safety, primary industries, regulatory or compliance environments.
• Experience leading complex technical or regulatory work.
• Mentoring or developing others.

About the Team

Mō tō mātou Rōpū. You'll join a collaborative and supportive team where expertise is valued, knowledge is shared openly, and people are encouraged to learn, grow, and succeed. This is an opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful regulatory outcomes, and build a rewarding career in a highly respected organisation.

About MPI

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do.

Benefits of working at MPI

• Additional MPI leave days
• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
• Security checks - NgāTakiWhakahaumaru

Security clearance and eligibility

This role requires a New Zealand national security clearance. To be considered for this role, you must meet the eligibility criteria set out below.

CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance

You must be a NewZealand citizen, or hold a NewZealand residence‑class visa (including permanent residence). You must have a minimum five (5)‑year background history that can be verified and assessed by the NewZealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine your suitability for a CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance.

Find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self‑check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

EEO / diversity statement

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

Application deadline

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 20 September 2026.