Head of Technical Policy at Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

24 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Leadership, Policy Development, Biosecurity, Animal Welfare, Traceability, Food Safety, Market Access, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Mentoring, Risk Management, Government Relations, Industry Advocacy, Team Leadership, Networking, Agricultural Science

Industry

Farming

Description

Passion, integrity, and a genuine desire to do our best for farmers is what drives us at Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ). We are 100% farmer-owned and funded and work on behalf of New Zealand’s sheep and beef producers. Our vision is for thriving sheep and beef farmers, now and into the future. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s investments play a critical role in underpinning New Zealand’s second biggest export sector. Are you passionate about shaping the future of New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector? Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to join our Policy & Advocacy team as Head of Technical Policy. In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic leadership on B+LNZ’s work on technical policy issues, including biosecurity, animal welfare, traceability, food safety, and market access. You’ll lead the development of B+LNZ’s policy positions, represent farmers’ interests at senior government and industry forums, and influence outcomes that matter for sheep and beef farmers. What you’ll do Drive the strategic direction and implementation of B+LNZ’s technical policy priorities. Represent B+LNZ on key senior level committees and governance boards, ensuring strong biosecurity frameworks and effective regulatory systems. Provide authoritative advice to senior leadership and the Board, anticipating emerging risks and opportunities. Engage with farmers to ensure their voices are heard and reflected in policy decisions. Lead and mentor the Senior Technical Policy Advisor, fostering a high-performing team. What we’re looking for Proven experience in senior policy roles (10+ years), with deep expertise in technical policy areas. Strong leadership skills and ability to influence at senior levels across government and industry. A tertiary qualification (preferably post-graduate) in biological sciences, agricultural science, or food technology. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including a good network of existing relationships with Government and industry at senior levels. A commitment to advancing the success and prosperity of New Zealand’s sheep and beef industry. Ideally based in Wellington. You will be required to travel to represent Beef + Lamb New Zealand and participate in regional and national collaborative processes or similar forums. What we offer This career move builds your expertise in a field that contributes to one of New Zealand’s most important export industries, and the New Zealand economy. We offer a competitive remuneration and excellent employee benefits including additional leave entitlements, a fully-subsidised life insurance policy, and a work culture that values and rewards passion, integrity, professionalism and strong workplace relationships based on respect and whānau. To view the job description, please click here. Applications close - 12noon, Monday 8 December 2025.

Responsibilities

Drive the strategic direction and implementation of B+LNZ’s technical policy priorities. Represent B+LNZ on key senior level committees and governance boards, ensuring strong biosecurity frameworks and effective regulatory systems.