Senior National Operations Coordinator

Job Title : Senior National Operations Coordinator

Role type : Permanent Full-Time

Location : Auckland (Mangere and CBD)

Salary band & range : General Salary Range E - $87,008 to $111,782 depending on skills and experience

About the Role

As a Senior National Operations Coordinator, you'll enhance situational awareness across MPI and the wider government system by managing real-time information, building strong relationships, and supporting confident decision-making.

You will be central to this kaupapa : establishing and maintaining relationships throughout the Greater Auckland Region, supporting the Delegated Chief Executive (DCE) and the broader national control structure.

This role offers autonomy, variety, and the opportunity to shape how operational coordination is delivered across the biosecurity system.

What you'll do

Use your emergency management background to support all-of-government coordination and response

Build and maintain strong networks across MPI and the wider government system

Support the delegated Chief Executive and liaise with senior leaders

Provide real-time information to enable confident, timely decision-making across operational and strategic levels

Apply critical thinking and manage ambiguity in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Lead innovative approaches to improve situational awareness and operational coordination

Work across multiple business areas and agencies to support biosecurity readiness and response

Operate with a high degree of autonomy and shape the role to meet evolving needs

Engage directly with stakeholders through face-to-face interactions at key operational sites

There are regular on-call needs.

You will be required to work during a variety of response events, at varying levels, and there will also be some overnight travel.

About You

You bring autonomy, vision, and foresight, with strong networks in emergency management, local councils, and partner organisations.

You're confident navigating ambiguity, prioritising work, and engaging across diverse topics and operational environments.

Communicate effectively across a range of levels and organisations

Work in a varied-paced environment and manage ambiguity

Be involved in responses

Apply analytical thinking and problem solving

Establish networks across MPI, wider government and industry

You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or provisional) or equivalent full foreign drivers licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing.

About the Team

The National Operations Centre (NOC) sits within the Biosecurity Intelligence Systems, and Response Group.

The team is responsible for national-level awareness, coordination, and operational support for responses, surveillance, and readiness activities.

This newly created role strengthens our Auckland presence, supporting national resilience and the Delegated Chief Executive when needed.

Benefits of working at MPI

Additional MPI leave days

Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses / frames

Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

Security checks

Most preferably a New Zealand citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last ten (10) years, OR

is a citizen of, and / or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years : either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

Click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Applications close at

Applications close at 11 : 59pm 22 October

If you have any questions about the role, please email

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

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 Manatu 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.

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.

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