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General Manager – Policy & Government Relations

General Manager – Policy & Government Relations

Everest PeopleWorkFromHome, Wellington, New Zealand
28 days ago
Job description

Overview

  • Provide strategic leadership and direction to a high-performing team.
  • Champion DairyNZ’s voice in policy, advocacy, and government engagement.
  • Influence change and protect the future of dairy through collaboration, innovation, and trusted relationships.

About DairyNZ

DairyNZ is progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming – Te whanake anamata angitu mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and innovative in their thought leadership, motivated by their vision and a desire to see communities benefit from a thriving dairy sector. With a keen eye on the changing dynamics of society, lifestyle, and demand, they strive to stay ahead of the curve, creating a positive future for generations to come. At DairyNZ, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation, working alongside talented professionals who care deeply about the future of dairy farming in New Zealand.

About the Role

To amplify impact and leadership, we are seeking a General Manager – Policy & Government Relations; an influential executive who will shape and champion DairyNZ’s policy, advocacy, and government relations across local, national, and international stages.

Reporting to the CEO, you will :

  • Lead and inspire a high-performing team, building capability through a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.
  • Develop and implement strategies that bring DairyNZ’s vision to life and drive change through effective policy and advocacy.
  • Oversee multiple teams, including :
  • Policy & Advocacy – providing strategic oversight and delivery of policy development, advocacy, and leadership of central government and regional council responses.
  • Government Relations – leading DairyNZ’s engagement with regional and central government.
  • Biosecurity – partnering to ensure robust systems and responses to protect the dairy sector.
  • Foster and maintain high-value relationships, acting as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders and representing DairyNZ at the highest levels, including national and international forums.
  • Champion cross-functional collaboration, evaluating delivery and making improvements to connect, align, and inspire.
  • Be a trusted advisor to the leadership team, providing strategic counsel and amplifying key campaigns, initiatives, and stakeholder events.
  • About You

    We’re looking for an experienced and future-focused leader who understands the power of policy, advocacy, and engagement to drive meaningful change.

    You will bring :

  • A bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Public Affairs, Political Science, Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
  • Extensive experience in policy, government relations, or public affairs, including high-level stakeholder engagement.
  • Experience operating as part of an executive leadership team.
  • Proven ability to navigate complex political and business environments with diplomacy and influence.
  • Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to achieve strategic outcomes in multi-stakeholder environments.
  • Expertise in environmental scanning and identifying emerging trends and issues.
  • Credibility within the primary industry, nationally and internationally.
  • Business and commercial acumen, including managing large budgets.
  • Programme leadership and governance across multiple projects.
  • Strong relationship-building skills across government and industry partners.
  • A genuine affinity for dairy farming and an understanding of its role in New Zealand’s economy.
  • Why DairyNZ?

    You will be part of a passionate and supportive team where your expertise will directly contribute to better futures for farmers and communities across New Zealand. DairyNZ offers a flexible, values-led work environment where innovation, learning, and people come first.

    Benefits

  • Flexible and hybrid working.
  • Employee-centric staff wellbeing programme.
  • Professional development available for all employees.
  • Culture capability (Māori) personal development.
  • EAP services.
  • Whānau-first philosophy including access to discretionary leave for life’s “curve balls”.
  • Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

    For further information or a confidential conversation, contact Senga Allen on .

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    General Manager • WorkFromHome, Wellington, New Zealand

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