Fast-track Applications Manager at Department of Conservation

Apply for Fast‑track Applications Manager at Department of Conservation in NZ. This full‑time on‑site position offers great opportunities for career growth and senior leadership within a nationally significant regulatory programme. It influences high‑profile decisions with real conservation and public outcomes in a Wellington‑based role with flexible working options. Vision Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te AoTūroa. About the role The Fast‑track Applications Manager is a senior leadership role within DOC’s Fast‑track function. The role leads the systems, processes and people that support DOC’s contribution to applications considered under the Fast‑track Approvals Act2024. The position is fast‑paced and complex, working across conservation outcomes, regulatory advice and accelerated approvals. You will engage closely with central and local government, iwi, applicants, expert panels and senior decision‑makers, including Ministers. You will provide system‑level leadership across DOC’s Fast‑track programme, looking across the full pipeline of applications to identify emerging risks and pressures, improve how work is delivered, and ensure DOC’s advice is timely, consistent and well‑informed. The work helps protect environmental values while enabling well‑designed infrastructure, tourism and development projects to proceed. You will apply deep understanding of consenting frameworks, DOC’s context and political acumen to provide critical analysis and assurance on high‑risk applications and reports to expert panels. Key responsibilities Lead and improve DOC’s Fast‑track systems, processes and ways of working. Ensure high‑quality, nationally consistent analysis and reporting on Fast‑track applications. Provide critical analysis and assurance on applications and reports to expert panels. Lead end‑to‑end critical assessment of fast‑track applications, exercising expert judgement to triage applications with clear rationale, integrating scientific, technical, cultural and operational inputs into coherent advice. Lead and develop a capable, inclusive team, engaging with Māori stakeholders regarding Fast‑track processes. Manage workloads, resources and delivery within statutory timeframes. Identify and manage political, legal and reputational risk, including signing out medium to high‑risk reports. Lead clear and effective engagement with Ministers, stakeholders, applicants and partner agencies. Skills and experience Confident and credible leader with experience working in complex regulatory environments and making sound judgements under pressure. Experience leading teams delivering complex, high‑volume regulatory or statutory work. Strong understanding of regulatory systems and consenting frameworks. Strong understanding of Fast‑track and RMA processes and knowledge that supports credible evaluation of environmental risks and trade‑offs. Proven ability to identify and manage political, legal and reputational risk. Strong relationship management skills, with experience engaging senior leaders and decision‑makers. Sound financial and resource management skills, including procurement and oversight of specialist advisors. Desirable: Experience working in central government or complex public‑sector environments. Desirable: Familiarity with Fast‑track or accelerated approvals processes. What’s in it for you? DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. We also support flexible working arrangements for our staff across Aotearoa. Apply online Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We are unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted for interview. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate. Please indicate your salary expectations in your covering letter. Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment. We are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. Applications close on Tuesday21July2026 at11:59pm. For further enquiries, please contact Pip Fox at [email protected]. #J-18808-Ljbffr