• Drive strategic advice influencing regulatory outcomes
• Help protect and enhance Canterbury’s environment
• Leadership role with meaningful impact

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

This is existing role is central to strengthening Environment Canterbury’s strategic capability in regulatory stewardship, strategy, and design.  It will support the organisation through a period of significant environmental and legislative change and to take a more deliberate, system-wide view of how regulation is shaped, implemented, monitored, and improved over time.

You’ll lead the development of high-quality, evidence-based advice and work closely with senior leaders to shape strategic direction and outcomes across portfolios.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing strategic and policy advice that supports effective regulatory stewardship and system improvement
• Applying strategy, policy, and design thinking to complex environmental and regulatory challenges
• Working across the organisation to connect regulatory settings, operating models, delivery priorities, and outcomes
• Partnering with iwi, government, and stakeholders to shape practical and durable approaches
• Monitoring progress towards strategic goals and identifying where regulatory systems need adjustment
• Project managing complex, high-risk strategic initiatives that require cross-organisational alignment
• Coaching and supporting capability across the Strategy & Planning group and wider organisation

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

Mōu │ About You

You are a strategic thinker and influential advisor with a track record of delivering high-quality insights in complex environments. You thrive on ambiguity, build trusted relationships, and bring a strong commitment to public value and partnership with mana whenua.

You’ll combine analytical depth with excellent communication skills and the confidence to engage at senior levels.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

You will bring:

• At least 8 years’ experience in strategy, policy, or advisory roles
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical capability
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong background in large, complex or regulated environments
• Experience leading programmes or strategic initiatives
• Ability to coach and uplift capability across teams

A relevant tertiary qualification (preferably postgraduate) is essential.

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 Dann Olykan on 027 705 4186

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Sunday 2 August and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. 

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