Policy Director | Resource Markets

MBIE seeks a senior Policy Director to lead policy and regulatory work in the Resources Markets branch, supporting New Zealand’s natural resources development. The successful candidate will support the General Manager, collaborate with the leadership team, and help set strategic direction for the branch.

Position: Policy Director – Resources Markets
\n Location: Wellington CBD (open to secondments).
\n Salary Band: $193,289 – $241,611 (midpoint) with wellness benefits.
\n Permanent position.

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• Support the delivery of key program areas, providing leadership on complex, whole-of-government, multi-sector, and international issues.
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• Collaborate with senior managers to build capability across the Resource Markets branch and ensure the quality and consistency of policy advice and operational practices.
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• Engage with Ministers, senior public service officials, industry and iwi, ensuring effective relationships at a senior level.
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• Lead complex policy and strategy work programmes, anticipating the needs of Ministers and influencing critical decision makers.
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• Ensure delivery and landing of advice/tasks with senior managers, Ministers and stakeholders domestically and internationally.
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• Significant experience leading policy work at senior levels, especially regulatory and strategic policy in a market context.
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• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with Ministers, senior public service officials, and stakeholders.
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• Strategic thinking, ability to make connections across work programmes and the wider organisation.
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• Expertise in economics, regulation of markets and/or the commercial sector, with background in the resources sector or adjacent sectors.
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• Ability to engage iwi/Māori on sensitive policy matters.
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• Demonstrated political nous, pragmatism, and oral/written communication skills to influence Ministers and sector leaders.
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• In‑depth understanding of the policy development process, stakeholder consultation and Treaty commitments.
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• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; drive change.
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• Extensive knowledge of machinery of government.
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• Ability to gain and maintain a national security clearance.
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