Regional Rural Lead

About Opteon Opteon is reimagining the future of property solutions. As a leading valuation insights firm operating across New Zealand, Australia and the US, we deliver trusted insights by combining human expertise with industry-leading technology. Having recently strengthened our operating model, Opteon is entering a new phase of growth with clearer regional accountability, enhanced leadership capability, and a renewed focus on performance and outcomes. This evolution positions us strongly for the future and creates an exciting opportunity for a senior valuation leader to make a meaningful impact. At Opteon, value also means investing in our people. We support flexible work, leadership development, mentoring and clear career pathways, underpinned by a strong safety-first culture and a deep commitment to our values. The Opportunity We’re seeking a Regional Rural Lead to drive the national delivery of rural and lifestyle rating valuations across New Zealand. This is a senior leadership position responsible for technical excellence, operational delivery and stakeholder engagement across multiple councils. You’ll play a key role in ensuring valuation outcomes are consistent, defensible and aligned with regulatory requirements. You’ll also lead and develop a team of valuers, contributing to capability uplift and long-term succession across the rural valuation discipline. This role offers the opportunity to grow Opteon's residential valuation team in broader Bay of Plenty/Waikato region, diversifying revenue streams and increasing market share. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Delivery Lead end-to-end delivery of rural and lifestyle rating valuations across multiple regions. Oversee triennial revaluations, ensuring quality, compliance and audit readiness. Manage roll maintenance delivery in line with KPIs and statutory timeframes. Technical Excellence Deliver and review complex rural valuations (e.g., dairy, grazing, forestry, horticulture, lifestyle assets). Ensure methodologies are robust, evidence-based and aligned to Rating Valuation Rules. Lead quality assurance, peer reviews and resolution of audit queries. Objections & Dispute Resolution Provide technical leadership on objections, including complex cases. Prepare and deliver expert evidence for the Land Valuation Tribunal (LVT) when required. Embed learnings into future valuation methodologies and processes. People Leadership Mentor, coach and develop valuers across all levels. Build a high-performing, collaborative team culture. Support graduate development and pathways to registration. Stakeholder Engagement Build strong relationships with Councils and the Office of the Valuer-General. Communicate market insights, valuation approaches and methodology changes. Support alignment across multiple service providers where required. About You Highly experienced rural valuer with strong leadership capability and a passion for delivering high-quality outcomes. Registered Valuer (NZIV) or MRICS qualified. Degree in Property or equivalent recognised qualification. Significant experience across rural and lifestyle valuations. Strong technical expertise in valuation methodologies and market evidence. Proven leadership experience, with a track record of developing teams. Experience delivering rating revaluations and working within audit frameworks. Exposure to objections processes and tribunal environments (preferred). Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Strong planning, governance and project delivery capability. What we offer NZIV membership, 5 verified CPD points and in-house training. Paid parental leave. Flexible working arrangements. Comprehensive onboarding and training. Reward and recognition program. Access to confidential support via Intellect, our mental health and wellbeing platform. Inclusion Statement Opteon is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness, where employees are embraced for their unique qualities and valued for their contributions. We encourage applications from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including people of Māori as Tangata Whenua and Pacific Islander origin. #J-18808-Ljbffr