Operations Advisor | Kaitohu Whakahaere

Overview

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead operational planning, performance reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Department of Conservation (DOC) in Auckland and Warkworth. You will help enable operational excellence and support conservation outcomes, contributing meaningfully to a vision where nature thrives across Aotearoa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the district’s operating environment, including assurance processes, issue management, governance, business improvement, and contribute actively to health and safety activities to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Coordinate comprehensive planning, reporting, and budget management for the district, including developing quarterly and annual business plans, overseeing performance and financial monitoring, and delivering insights to empower sound decision-making and priority achievement.
• Provide operational leadership and support by managing governance reporting, facilitating regional initiatives and community hui, and supervising effective delivery of business support services.
• Establish and nurture strong collaborative relationships with operational leaders and teams across DOC, leveraging influence to identify improvement opportunities, enhance processes, and drive conservation outcomes.
• Lead and support a direct team member by fostering their development and promoting high-quality business support throughout the district.

Candidate Profile

• Experience in coordinating planning, reporting, budgeting, and operational delivery within a complex organizational context.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of transforming data and information into actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Excellent written communication skills, including authoring reports, briefings, and governance documents for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence stakeholders at various levels.
• Confidence with technology and systems, particularly advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with reporting tools.
• A solutions-oriented, organized, and accountable approach, committed to delivering high-quality outcomes with integrity.
• Understanding of the Māori-Crown relationship relevant to DOC's mission, passion for conservation, and enthusiasm for developing leadership capabilities through coaching and mentoring.

Work Arrangement

This permanent position is based in Auckland CBD or Warkworth, requiring a flexible hybrid working model. The role necessitates a regular physical presence at both office locations on a weekly or fortnightly basis to maintain strong stakeholder engagement and team connectivity.

Additional Information

• Salary range: $80,695 - $101,951 annually depending on skills and experience.
• Applicants must hold a valid New Zealand work visa covering the entire duration of employment.
• Applicants are invited to submit a CV and cover letter detailing relevant experience and motivation. No emailed applications or applicant feedback will be provided for those not shortlisted.
• The recruitment process can be adjusted to accommodate any applicant needs upon request.
• No recruitment agencies will be engaged for this vacancy.
• Applications close at 11:59 pm Sunday 16th August; early closure possible, so timely applications are encouraged.