Have REAL impact and shape the future of Biosecurity and River Operations in Southland, New Zealand's 2nd largest region by land.

A newly refined opportunity has opened for an experienced leader to head a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering critical biosecurity and river management programmes across land and water environments.

You’ll play a critical role in managing strategic operations that make a genuine impact, while you enjoy the lifestyle benefits of living in one of New Zealand’s most naturally stunning and affordable regions.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the region's biosecurity, flood preparedness, and river asset management. Be part of the organisation’s collaborative leadership team, reporting directly to the GM for Integrated Catchment Management.

What’s in it for you:

• Lead and Influence: Drive high-impact environmental work across river operations, biosecurity, and marine services, with a strong emphasis on modern contract management.
• Supportive Culture: Join a forward thinking culture with flexible working options.
• Relocation Support: Available for those moving to the region.
• Competitive Package: Salary: Grade 21 (please contact us for details). Package includes: 5 weeks annual leave, WFH policy, flexible hours, 37.5-hour week, income protection, relocation support.
• Affordable Lifestyle: Based in Southland, where nature, space, and balance come easy. Average house price in Invercargill is just over $500K, making mortgage-free ownership far more achievable than other regions.

Non-Negotiables:

• 10+ years’ leadership experience in technical or environmental operations, with a proven ability to lead culturally competent and high-performing diverse teams.
• Strong ecological biosciences knowledge and expertise in biosecurity and river asset management.
• Proven project management skills in planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills: Tactful leader able to get people on side and drive change & outcomes.
• Modern approach to contract management, including health and safety savvy across operations.
• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., natural resources management, environmental science, river engineering).
• Full NZ driver’s licence 
• Commitment to change: Not a "yes person," but someone innovative who will constructively challenge ideas and improve processes.

Desirables:

• Experience working in complex stakeholder or regulatory environments.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural competency in te ao Māori.
• Demonstrated change leadership and business improvement capability.
• Skilled communicator with confidence engaging across technical and public-facing spaces, with an extroverted leadership style.

Next Steps:
For confidential enquiries, please contact Ben Lapworth for more information on this role and to explore if this is the position for you: ben@84recruitment.co.nz 022 183 4944

84 Recruitment is the sole exclusive recruitment partner assisting with this role.