Job Category : Program & Project Management
Shape systems and processes for effective science delivery
Join a values-driven organisation committed to environmental stewardship
Enjoy flexible working and professional development opportunities
Waitaha - our Canterbury region - is like no other and we are proud to call it home.
We have the privilege of working with Papatipu Runanga, stakeholders and our wider community to protect our environment, including water, land and air through regulation and planning.
As a Regional Council we're responsible for flood protection, public transport, civil defence, and more.
Together we're taking action to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations.
Toitu te marae o Tane, toitu te marae o Tangaroa, toitu te tangata | if the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.
This senior leadership role is focused on driving system and process excellence to ensure effective science delivery.
You'll lead improvement initiatives, embed continuous improvement, and align science work programmes with organisational priorities.
Working closely with the Director of Science and the Science Leadership Team, you'll influence change, foster innovation, and use your strong relationship skills to help resolve complex and sensitive issues.
Key responsibilities
Leading business planning, risk management, and performance tracking
Identifying opportunities to proactively lead and influence change
Driving high performance and cross-organisational coordination
Engaging with partners, research providers, and industry to coordinate and collaborate on work programmes
Coaching and mentoring direct reports to create a high-performing team
For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.
You're passionate about operational excellence and driven to enhance coordination and collaboration across teams.
You bring strong political acumen, strategic insight, and the ability to influence at all levels.
You thrive in complex environments and have a proven track record of implementing systems and processes that optimise delivery whilst ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.
Qualifications and experience
8–10 years' experience in an operational excellence, programme management, or continuous improvement-focused role
Strong relationship management and problem-solving skills
Proven ability to influence and engage a diverse range of people at all levels
Commitment to honouring tikanga and working in partnership with mana whenua
Bachelor's degree in a business or resource management-related discipline
Our mahi is underpinned by our values :
We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment.
We value everyone's contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.
We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Maori into our work.
We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Maori, matauranga Maori, and te reo Maori in our daily work.
We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Maori journey.
For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Tim Davie on
Applications close on Thursday 27 November.
Interviews for this role will be held during the first week of December, although applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and some interviews may take place before the closing date.
We reserve the right to close advertising early and encourage you to apply now if you think your skills, experience and passion are well suited to this role.
Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check.
Further background checking may also be required.
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.
If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.
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Science • Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand