Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect Taitokerau Northland's environment and communities.

Toitū te whenua, toitū te moana, toitū te tangata. If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.    

Te āheinga / The opportunity

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead Northland Regional Council’s high-performing Biosecurity Group and help shape the future of biosecurity across the region. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic direction and trusted advice to the Chief Executive, Council, and wider organisation, ensuring Northland is well positioned to anticipate and respond to biosecurity risks. You will drive the development and delivery of regional biosecurity strategies and programmes, while fostering strong partnerships with communities, iwi, and public and private sector stakeholders to achieve meaningful, coordinated outcomes.

You will contribute to the performance and success of the organisation as a whole, helping to shape long-term direction, strengthen organisational effectiveness, and foster a culture grounded in integrity, collaboration, and innovation. Working closely with fellow Executive Leadership Team members, you will align systems, resources, and priorities, champion strategic change, and build organisational capability.

This role also carries a strong outward focus, representing the organisation with credibility and impact while building trusted, Te Tiriti-based partnerships with tangata whenua and key stakeholders. You will uphold robust governance, risk management, and accountability practices, and champion a culture of health, safety, and wellbeing.

He kōrero mōu / About you

To be successful in this role you are likely to have: 

• Proven strategic leadership capability, with strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear direction, practical plans, and measurable outcomes.
• At least 8 years’ experience in senior leadership roles, with a track record of leading through others, building high-performing teams, and influencing organisational performance and change.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience, with a solid professional background in a complex or public sector environment.
• Demonstrated cultural capability, including an understanding of Te Ao Māori and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• High level of personal integrity, sound judgement, and resilience, with the professionalism to navigate complex and challenging situations effectively and constructively.

Tono mai / Apply

To view the Job Description, click: JD: Pou Tiaki Pūtaiao – Group Manager (you will be able to access the link from the NRC careers site). For further information contact: Shane Cleary, People and Culture Manager (Shancec@nrc.govt.nz) or Tannis Turnbull (tannist@nrc.govt.nz).

Applications close 21 June 2026 and must be submitted online via the NRC careers page. We review applications as they are received.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship, or a valid NZ work visa.