- Lead the transition into a new world-class biosecurity laboratory
- Shape future-ready operating models, systems, and culture
- Safeguard critical diagnostic services during major transformation
About MPI | Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has a vision to see New Zealand become the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and primary products. Biosecurity New Zealand, a branch of MPI, is central to that mission, protecting our environment, economy, and way of life.
About the Role | Kōrero mō te Tūranga
As Assistant Director, PHEL Transition & Operations, you will provide senior leadership through one of the most significant biosecurity transformations ever undertaken in Aotearoa.
Working closely with the PHEC Programme Director and the Director, Diagnostics, Readiness and Surveillance, you will lead the business transition into a new, high-biocontainment facility, ensuring the current Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) continues to deliver uninterrupted, high-quality diagnostic services throughout the change.
This is a hands-on executive role focused on people, operations, and delivery. While the Programme Director leads the capital build and programme management, you will own the operating model, workforce transition, and day-to-day continuity of critical diagnostic capability.
You will be accountable for:
- Leading the transition from current operations into a future-ready laboratory operating model
- Safeguarding diagnostic delivery and scientific advice during a multi-year transformation
- Embedding modern biosafety, containment, and quality systems into everyday operations
- Leading and developing senior managers responsible for workflow innovation and biosafety systems, and delivering diagnostic services
- Driving culture change, lifting leadership capability, and bringing a technical workforce on the journey
- Providing strong governance, risk management, and financial oversight through transition to 2029
About You | Mōu
You are a senior, credible change leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments and knows how to lead through ambiguity.
You will bring experience delivering enterprise-scale business transformation, ideally in operational, infrastructure, science, or public sector environments where continuity of service truly matters. You are someone comfortable operating above the technical detail while still able to engage confidently with senior specialists, engineers, and scientists.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Proven success leading complex operational or organisational change
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to win trust and shift long-established ways of working
- Political and organisational savvy, with confidence engaging senior leaders and governance forums
- Sound judgement under pressure and a focus on practical, defensible decision-making
- Experience shaping operating models, lifting leadership capability, and embedding new ways of working
Ready to Make a Difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
This is a rare chance to shape the future of a worldleading, stateoftheart biosecurity facility and leave a lasting legacy for Aotearoa’s economic and environmental protection.
IN SIDE Recruitment are assisting MPI with the recruitment of this role. If you are interested, please apply now and include your cover letter and CV.
For a confidential discussion contact either Jeremy McLeod at jeremy@inside.co.nz or Fraser Leith at Fraser@inside.co.nz.
Applications close Monday 2nd February at 2pm.
Note: Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory. This role requires a Ministry of Justice criminal history check and the ability to obtain security clearance.
