Senior Adviser (Food Act Operations)

Job DescriptionSenior Adviser (Food Act Operations)Role type: Fixed Term (8 Months), Part-TimeLocation: HamiltonSalary band & range: General Salary Range D: $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experienceAbout the Role - Kōrero mō te TūrangaAs a Senior Adviser in the Food Act Operations team, you'll play a critical role in shaping and supporting New Zealand's Food Safety (NZFS) framework, with a specialist focus on food labelling under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ). While your primary team will be the Food Act Operations team, you'll also collaborate closely with our Food Science team to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with international standards.This is a dynamic and proactive role that requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You'll be part of a team that's focused on finding smarter, more effective ways to regulate a diverse and evolving food sector. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy tackling complex challenges, we'd love to hear from you.Your key responsibilities will include:Responding to enquiries on food labelling requirements and providing clear advice to stakeholders.Coordinating WTO notifications for new labelling requirements and ensuring compliance with international obligations.Developing practical guidance for domestic food businesses on labelling requirements under the FSANZ Code.Contributing to the development, review, and implementation of food standards and related regulatory frameworks.Providing high-quality technical advice to other NZFS business units, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) branches, Government, and relevant external stakeholders.Supporting strategic planning, priority setting, and capability development within the team through mentoring and collaboration. About You – MōuTo be successful in this role, you'll have strong technical foundation and a passion for improving New Zealand's food safety systems. You will bring a collaborative mindset, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to various stakeholders. Your experience in regulatory environments, food safety, or food science gives you the confidence to navigate challenges and contribute to meaningful change.We're looking for someone who has:Proven experience in analysing complex information, formulating advice, and communicating clearly to diverse audiences.In-depth knowledge and understanding of New Zealand's food safety legislative and regulatory environment, particularly the Food Act 2014, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and international frameworks such as Codex.Familiarity with WTO notification processes and international standard-setting would be an advantage.Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.Excellent problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills. About the Team - Mō tō mātou RōpūThe Food Act Operations team sits in the Food Risk Management directorate of New Zealand Food Safety (FZFS). Food Risk Management is responsible for setting standards for food production, processing, importing and exporting; identifying emerging food safety risks; and delivering an agile and evolving food compliance and response system.The newly formed Food Act Operations team is a team of 10 people, that will be working to support councils, verifiers, evaluators, food business and other stakeholders with their requirements under the Food Act.Our team is based primarily out of Wellington in Pastoral House, where you'll find a hardworking and friendly group. People enjoy working in this team because we have an energetic and positive team environment. Because our work spans many areas, there are always opportunities to learn, grow, and try new things.About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu MatuaOur role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu MatuaAdditional MPI leave daysAbility to purchase extra annual leaveAnnual Wellness payment Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.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.In your cover letter we'd like to know about 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.To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.Applications close at 11:59pm on Friday, 21st November 2025.If you have any questions about the role, please email Abby.Walker@mpi.govt.nz