Biodiversity Strategy and Assurance Manager

We are looking for an experienced leader to head our Strategy and Assurance team within the National Programmes Directorate. This pivotal role provides functional leadership and strategic oversight across a diverse portfolio of work, managing complexity, mitigating risks, and ensuring strategic alignment across multiple high-profile workstreams.

You will lead the delivery of cross-directorate strategic integration, programme assurance, and planning and reporting processes. A key part of this role is providing high-quality strategic advice to the Director and senior leaders on national biodiversity priorities, leading engagement with central agencies, managing Ministerial advice and communications, and ensuring DOC's work supports the implementation of the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) and the Predator Free 2050 Strategy.

In this role you will:

Lead the Strategy and Assurance team to integrate programmes, strategies and contract functions.
Provide strategic support to the National Programmes Director and ensure alignment across the Directorate.
Drive strategic connections across DOC to align key programmes and foster innovation.
Oversee risk management, opportunity identification, and environmental scanning.
Lead strategy development, implementation planning, and performance reporting processes.
Manage Ministerial and OIA communications and contribute to internal and external storytelling.
Ensure robust programme assurance for planning, delivery, and reporting, including governance and contract management.
Build and lead a high-performing, inclusive team with clear expectations and capability development.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

You'll be an experienced people leader with strong strategic thinking and experience leading large, complex programmes of work. You thrive operating in complex environments across multiple workstreams.

You will bring:

Proven experience in strategic leadership and programme assurance for complex systems.
Strong background in risk management and strategy development.
Expertise in engagement at Minister-level and providing governance and process oversight.
Ability to lead diverse teams and influence senior stakeholders.
Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
Experience in conservation or environmental management is an advantage.
Understanding of Te Ao Maori and commitment to Treaty partnership.