• Shape systems and processes for effective science delivery
• Join a values-driven organisation committed to environmental stewardship
• Enjoy flexible working and professional development opportunities

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

Waitaha - our Canterbury region - is like no other and we are proud to call it home. We have the privilege of working with Papatipu Rūnanga, stakeholders and our wider community to protect our environment, including water, land and air through regulation and planning. As a Regional Council we're responsible for flood protection, public transport, civil defence, and more.  

Together we're taking action to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations. Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te tangata | if the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive. 

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

This senior leadership role is focused on driving system and process excellence to ensure effective science delivery. You’ll lead improvement initiatives, embed continuous improvement, and align science work programmes with organisational priorities. Working closely with the Director of Science and the Science Leadership Team, you’ll influence change, foster innovation, and use your strong relationship skills to help resolve complex and sensitive issues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading business planning, risk management, and performance tracking
• Identifying opportunities to proactively lead and influence change
• Driving high performance and cross-organisational coordination
• Engaging with partners, research providers, and industry to coordinate and collaborate on work programmes
• Coaching and mentoring direct reports to create a high-performing team

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You’re passionate about operational excellence and driven to enhance coordination and collaboration across teams. You bring strong political acumen, strategic insight, and the ability to influence at all levels. You thrive in complex environments and have a proven track record of implementing systems and processes that optimise delivery whilst ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

• 8–10 years’ experience in an operational excellence, programme management, or continuous improvement-focused role
• Strong relationship management and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to influence and engage a diverse range of people at all levels
• Commitment to honouring tikanga and working in partnership with mana whenua
• Bachelor’s degree in a business or resource management-related discipline

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury  

Our mahi is underpinned by our values:

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.  

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Tim Davie on 027 215 0789.

Applications close on Thursday 27 November.  Interviews for this role will be held during the first week of December, although applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and some interviews may take place before the closing date. We reserve the right to close advertising early and encourage you to apply now if you think your skills, experience and passion are well suited to this role.  

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking may also be required. 

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can