Veterinary Technical Supervisor Reliever

Job Overview

This permanent, full-time role is based in the Waikato/Hamilton region and involves managing verification activities to ensure compliance with food safety, market access, and biosecurity regulations at various animal product processing establishments across the Waikato region. The position falls under the Establishment group of MPI Verification Services, supporting the certification and verification functions that uphold New Zealand’s export systems for primary industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Travel within Waikato to conduct verification activities, ensuring official assurances for export products are accurate and withstand third-party audits.
• Oversee and verify that operators implement timely and effective corrective and preventative measures.
• Collaborate closely with the regional MPI team, technical teams, and external stakeholders including farmers.
• Effectively communicate with plant personnel at all levels from frontline workers to managers, tailoring communication as needed.
• Facilitate and participate in internal, external, and market access reviews, demonstrating processes to reviewers and assisting in resolving any findings.
• Use time and resources efficiently to achieve verification objectives.

About the Branch

The Waikato Establishment area serves as a pivotal hub in one of New Zealand’s most productive agricultural regions, playing an essential role in supporting the red meat export sector, which generates about $12 billion annually. The position covers multiple major processing sites within driving distance of Hamilton, offering a diverse work environment while maintaining a stable base.

The team within Waikato is experienced and well-connected, with staff working independently across sites yet supported comprehensively. This reliever position represents MPI’s presence in the region and involves significant engagement with operators to ensure regulatory requirements are met. The role also includes responsibilities connected to animal welfare oversight, biosecurity responsiveness, and involvement with the rural sector through mandated farm verification programmes.

Candidate Requirements

• New Zealand registered Veterinarian or eligibility to register with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.
• Possess a full, clean New Zealand driver’s license or be able to convert an overseas license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills along with sound analytical reasoning.
• Demonstrate integrity, ethics, resilience, adaptability, and openness.
• Experience with persuasion, influence, teamwork, organization, and planning.
• Proficiency with computers, including standard and customized software such as word processing, spreadsheets, internet use, and email.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $118,437 to $148,046 per annum, dependent on skills and experience. Additional remuneration includes overtime, penal time, and shift allowances. Employees benefit from reimbursement of professional membership fees and practicing certificates, wellness benefits, and reduced premiums for group health insurance schemes.

Additional Information

The role is safety-sensitive and therefore requires candidates to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. MPI is committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by working in partnership with iwi, hapū, whanau, and hāpori. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds and identities, emphasizing the importance of contributions gained both within and outside the workplace.

Application Details

Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 27th August 2026. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it. For queries, contact MPI’s Talent Advisory team via email.