Policy Director | Resource Markets

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• Policy leadership position in the Resources Markets branch
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• Opportunity to provide thought leadership on complex, multi-portfolio issues to support the development of New Zealand’s resources sector
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• Permanent position based in Wellington CBD – also open to secondments
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• Salary Band: $193,289 - $241,611 (midpoint) and wellness benefits. We are looking to appoint up to midpoint.
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We have an exciting Policy Director opportunity for an experienced policy professional to lead work across policy and regulatory issues to support the development of New Zealand’s natural resources – including minerals, oil and gas, geothermal and hydrogen. These are core to MBIE’s delivery outcome of a strong and resilient economy that delivers energy security and value from resources for New Zealand.

The Policy Director is a senior position whose role is to support the General Manager and work collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure delivery on key policy and operational priorities, while helping to set the strategic direction for the branch. It presents significant opportunities for those looking for a senior‑level career in policy.

As a Policy Director, you will support the delivery of key parts of our work programme by providing leadership on complex, whole‑of‑government, multi‑sector, multi‑portfolio and international issues. You will work effectively across both policy and regulatory operations, partnering with senior managers to build capability across the Resource Markets branch and to ensure the quality and consistency of policy advice and operational practices.

You will be a leader and an expert, bringing significant depth of experience in regulation and markets, political nous, and strong relationship skills. You will have established relationships at a senior level across government, industry, and iwi, be confident engaging with Ministers, and be adept at operating in a complex, high‑priority regulatory environment. You will have resources sector knowledge or transferable experience from adjacent sectors, alongside deep expertise in regulatory design and economic growth, preferably in a market regulation context.

This role sits within the Resource Markets branch. We cover the full Resources portfolio, with the aim of making sure New Zealanders have secure, sufficient and affordable energy and resources to drive our economy and way of life.

Our branch covers the full breadth of policy, business development and operational functions as a regulator of Crown Minerals under the Resources portfolio. We also deliver MBIE’s new functions as regulator for Offshore Renewable Energy and ensure compliance with fuel resilience obligations under the Energy portfolio.

We are seeking someone with significant experience in leading policy work at senior levels, in particular regulatory and strategic policy in a market context. In particular you will need:

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• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders
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• Experience managing the delivery and landing of advice and tasks with senior managers, Ministers and stakeholders, domestically and internationally
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• Strategic thinking skills and the ability to make connections within and between work programmes across the branch and wider organisation
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• Expertise in economics, regulation of markets and/or the commercial sector, with a background in the resources sector or adjacent sectors with transferable experience
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• Ability to engage with iwi/Māori on sensitive policy matters
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• The desire to work on whole‑of‑organisation, whole‑of‑government and whole‑of‑public sector issues
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• Demonstrated political nous and pragmatism
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• Ability to lead complex policy and strategy work programmes, and anticipate the needs of Ministers
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• In‑depth understanding of the policy development process, including stakeholder consultation processes and Treaty commitments
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• Strong interpersonal and communication skills allowing you to influence critical decision makers such as Ministers and senior sector leaders, and drive change
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• Extensive knowledge and experience of machinery of government
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• Ability to gain and maintain a national security clearance
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