Policy Manager

Overview

Policy Manager role at the Department of Conservation (DOC).

As Policy Manager, 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 :

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

About the team

The 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. 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.

What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. Flexible work arrangements are available and considered based on role and in discussion with your leader. The organisation is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for staff across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Apply now

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply 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.

Applications close

Applications close at 11 : 59 pm on Sunday, 06 November 2025. Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

For further enquiries

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at

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