Director Regional Operations | Tumuaki Takiwā ā Motu (NNI)

Senior conservation leadership opportunity. Build and inspire high performing teams in a regional, strategic stakeholder leadership role. Permanent Position | Salary Range: $206,880 to $284,460, depending on skills and experience. Locations: Whangarei, Kaitaia, Pewhairangi/ Bay of Islands, or Kauri Coast.

Lead the delivery of our conservation work in Northern North Island. Report to the Deputy Director-General, Operations, and manage a large and diverse region with four district offices from Kaitaia to Bay of Islands, Whangarei, and Kauri Coast. Provide strategic leadership to essential biodiversity, recreation/historic, and community engagement conservation work delivered on the ground. Maintain close relationships with iwi partners, commercial, community, and government stakeholders. Act as the face of the organisation in Northern North Island. The role is based within the wider region with regular travel and overnight stays required.

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• Proven operational leadership experience in a large and complex organisation (environmental or resource management sector desirable).
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• Strong skills and experience working with iwi/hapu groups, Councils, Government agencies, and stakeholders.
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• Experience engaging with others in a collaborative way.
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• Experience leading projects to completion within a fast‑paced, demanding environment.
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• Core people leadership skills and commitment to developing your team.
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• Ability to spot and mitigate risks as well as respond to emergency events.
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• Ability to work on multiple complex issues across a broad front simultaneously.
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We are deeply committed to conservation, ensuring ecosystems from mountains to sea thrive and people are connected to nature and cultural heritage. The NNI Region covers 270,000 hectares of public conservation land and is administered by DOC. The Operations Team has about 120 people across four districts, supported by other DOC teams. The region includes diverse ecosystems, treasured species, and significant cultural and heritage sites.

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• Career development, secondment and training opportunities.
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• Study assistance for programmes relevant to your work.
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• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance.
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• Great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear.
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Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation. We cannot accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted. If adjustments are needed during the recruitment process, let us know and we will try to accommodate. Salary range: $206,880 to $284,460, depending on skills and experience. Eligibility: hold a valid NZ work visa covering the duration of employment. We are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 9th August 2026. Interviews will commence the week starting 24 August 2026. For further enquiries, contact Debby Drummond, Executive Assistant, Regional Operations, 027 204 7284 or [email protected].