Type: Fixed term (until 30 June 2026)
Hours: Full time
Location: Wellington
Business Group: Water Services Reform Programme
Branch: Policy and Te Tiriti
Salary: $177,773 - $221,179
We are looking for an experienced, strategic and collaborative leader to join the Water Services Reform Programme as our Director Policy and Legislation. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of water services in New Zealand and lead one of the country’s most significant reform programmes.
In this senior leadership role, you will provide strategic leadership across the policy and legislation team, set the direction for a dynamic work programme, and ensure high-quality, impactful advice reaches Ministers and senior leaders. You will also play a key role in the leadership of the Department’s broader policy direction and regulatory stewardship.
You will lead a high-performing team, support cross-government collaboration, and influence long-term outcomes that make a real difference for communities, iwi, and future generations.
What you’ll bring:
- Extensive experience in a senior public sector role providing strategic policy advice
- A deep understanding of government priorities, public policy development and regulatory frameworks
- Strong leadership and people management capabilities
- Excellent relationship-building skills with stakeholders including Ministers, iwi Māori and key government agencies
- Sound judgement, political awareness, and the ability to operate in a complex environment
Join us and take on a role where your leadership and insight will directly contribute to a sustainable future for water services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Applications close: 5pm, Friday, 8 August 2025.
For more information please contact: Lori Hand, [email protected]
Job description: To review the full job description, please click here. If you are unable to follow the link, please review the full job description on our careers website.
