Senior Technical Adviser, Appraisals

Ministry for Primary Industries NZ; Wellington; On-site; NZD 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bi-annual eye test

Job summary

Ministry for Primary Industries NZ – Wellington Central, North Island is seeking a Senior Technical Adviser to assess food and animal product businesses under the Animal Products Act 1999 and Food Act 2014, and to support regulatory decision-making.

You will lead complex assessments, provide expert advice on food safety legislation, and mentor team members while collaborating with MPI stakeholders across industry and local government.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of HACCP principles, hazard analysis, and food safety risk management systems.
• Experience analysing technical information and providing practical advice.
• Experience building stakeholder relationships and delivering outcomes in a complex environment.
• Experience leading complex technical or regulatory work and mentoring others.

Responsibilities

• Assess registration applications from food and animal product businesses under regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate food safety risk management systems and HACCP-based programmes.
• Provide expert advice on food safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Manage complex compliance and regulatory matters involving registered businesses.
• Build relationships with stakeholders across MPI, industry, local government, and recognised agencies.
• Lead regulatory decision-making processes and contribute to policy development.
• Mentor and support team members through technical guidance.

Skills

HACCP knowledge

Regulatory interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ministry for Primary Industries NZ – Wellington Central, North Island

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

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.

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

You will bring the following skills or experience:

• 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.

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.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's mosttrustedprovider of high-value food andfibreproducts.

Benefits of working at MPI-Ngāhuao temahiiteManatūAhu

• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

Security checks -NgāTakiWhakahaumaru

This rolesrequire 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

• Youmust be a NewZealandcitizen,orhold aNewZealandresidence‑classvisa(including permanent residence).
• You must have aminimum five (5)‑year background historythat can be verified and assessed by theNewZealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS)todetermineyour suitability for a CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance.

If you do not meet theseminimumcriteria,we will not be able to acceptyour application.

Areyoureadytomake adifference?-Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahiwhaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner underTeTiritio Waitangiwhich includes working closely with iwi,hapū,whānauandhāpori.

Weaspireto reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities.As an organisation, we are committed to makingManatūAhu MatuaMinistry for Primary Industriesa great placeto work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to knowabout you, your values;your interest and motivations for this role;the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 20 September 2026

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