Policy Manager

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for conservation?Lead high-impact policy work with a focus on delivery, strategy, and quality advice.Permanent full-time, Wellington location.Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TūroaThe Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.Mō te tūranga | About the roleAs Policy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of conservation policy. You will lead the Marine Policy team within DOC. This high-performing team is responsible for advice on protecting New Zealand’s diverse and biologically rich marine environment in a strategic and effective way, taking into consideration perspectives of Treaty partners and different stakeholders (incl. international bodies, community groups, commercial and recreational industry players and environmental NGO groups). You will have an opportunity to shape the work programme of the team in consultation with the Director.The position will be focussed on:Managing and motivating a high-performing team, creating a collaborative, results-driven culture while overseeing the delivery of the Minister of Conservation’s priority reforms and the team’s regulatory stewardship role. Shaping policy outcomes by providing high-quality advice to Ministers that aligns with DOC’s mission and government goals, including delivering impactful advice on key reform proposals and complex regulatory matters. Building and maintaining influential relationships with Treaty partners and internal and external stakeholders, ensuring DOC’s views are heard and other views are incorporated into regulatory policy thinking. Guiding and mentoring team members to enhance their policy expertise, ensuring they can deliver quality outcomes and contribute to the wider goals of DOC’s regulatory and policy functions. Overseeing and driving complex policy projects, identifying risks and opportunities while ensuring the team’s work supports DOC’s mission and broader government goals in conservation and economic outcomes. Click here for the Role DescriptionNgā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceYou will be an experienced and delivery-focused leader with a strong ability to navigate ambiguity and drive high-quality policy outcomes. You will bring a background or interest in the natural resources sector, along with an understanding of legislative frameworks. A commitment to stewardship and delivering is key.We are keen to hear from you, if you have the following:Extensive experience in policy development, with the capability to analyse complex issues and confidently navigate policy processes and frameworks.Strong people skills and passion for providing clear, thoughtful, and impactful advice in a dynamic environment.Strong ability to establish and maintain relationships with Ministers, Treaty Partners, and stakeholders.Skilled in developing practical policy solutions and driving delivery.Solid understanding of the machinery of government.Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori, with experience working with tangata whenua or willingness to learn.Mō te tīma | About the teamThe Policy Unit leads DOC's work across all areas of policy that stand to impact on conservation. This includes the marine and freshwater domains, biodiversity, the management of public conservation lands and waters, key aspects of RMA reform, climate change, economic development, international engagement and the tourism system. We are at the front line of DOC's relationship with Ministers and other agencies and at the forefront of advice on conservation’s big challenges and opportunities.The team leads and supports policy development and advice on marine protection, aquaculture settings, offshore renewable energy and other marine-related matters. The team recently led the development of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025. The team also leads and/or supports reform of the Trade in Endangered Species Act, the Wildlife Act and the National Conservation Policy Statement. The team have an exciting blend of strategic, big-picture policy legislative stewardship work alongside the practical delivery of important policy and legislative changes.He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.Tonoa inaiānei | Apply nowApply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.The base salary range for this position is between $140,000 - $185,000 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 06 November 2025. Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at aantony@doc.govt.nz.