Emission Trading Register Modernisation Executive Lead

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is New Zealand's independent environmental regulator. This fixed‑term executive role involves providing decisive leadership for the ETR modernisation project and engaging with Ministers, central agencies, and senior leaders across government.

The role can be onsite or based remotely, with flexibility to enable effective engagement with Ministers, central agencies, and key stakeholders. It requires strong governance and cross‑agency engagement.

• Lead the ETR modernisation project, ensuring strategic alignment, pace, and clarity across a complex, multi‑agency environment.
• Contribute to governance and cross‑agency engagement, acting as a technical subject‑matter expert with delivery partners and consultants.
• Shape and test strategic, technical, and investment advice and collateral, ensuring the business case is robust, defensible, and aligned to Treasury expectations and Government priorities.
• Deliver a high‑quality, investment‑ready business case within tight timeframes.
• Maintain strong alignment and confidence across Ministers, the EPA Board, and central agencies.
• Actively manage risks and dependencies, providing clear, authoritative advice to guide decision‑making at the highest levels.

• Proven executive‑level experience working with Ministers, central agencies, and senior leaders across government.
• Deep subject‑matter expertise in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Emission Trading Register (ETR) environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, high‑profile programmes or business case development in compressed timeframes.
• Exceptional stakeholder leadership, with the credibility to influence across agency, governance, and political interfaces.
• Strong commercial and strategic acumen, including experience shaping investment cases and navigating public sector funding processes.
• Experience directing and challenging external delivery partners to ensure high‑quality, fit‑for‑purpose outputs.
• Ability to operate with authority in ambiguity, balancing strategic priorities, risks, and delivery constraints.
• Nice to have: Experience developing Treasury‑aligned business cases or investment logic frameworks.
• Nice to have: Experience leading large‑scale system modernisation or technology‑enabled transformation.
• Nice to have: Experience in cross‑agency system design or regulatory system leadership.

• Flexible working culture.
• Three additional paid leave days between Christmas and New Years in addition to four weeks annual leave.
• $200 non‑taxable payment to help you set up working at home.
• Annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives.
• In‑house Māori cultural capability building programme.
• Learning opportunities, including the annual EPA Symposium.
• Active and lively social club, and diverse groups and support networks.
• EPA awards recognising individual and team effort.
• Relocation help for those moving to New Zealand from overseas.

$199,278 – $298,918 per annum (midpoint $249,098). This is the full salary range of the band, from 80% – 120%. Appointments will generally be made at or below the midpoint of this range, depending on skills and experience.