Senior Advisor Operational Policy Design x2 at Maritime New Zealand, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō mātou | About Us 

Our Vision: Preventing Harm. Saving Lives. Securing our Future 

Maritime NZ is the national maritime regulatory and response agency. As a risk-based regulator we are focussed on taking action to prevent harm from occurring across the maritime domain. We’re bringing together our aroha, work and skills to achieve our outcomes of sustainable supply chains and sectors, safe people and operations, secure ports and ships, and clean seas and waterways. 

Our values are about who we are as individuals and the behaviours we expect from each other at Maritime NZ. 

Care | Kia Tika - We care for each other and do the right thing 

Connect | Kotahitanga - We unite in a common purpose 

Courage | Kia Māia - We are brave, capable and confident  

Mō tō mātou Rōpū | About the team 

The Operational Policy Design team is responsible for the development of Maritime NZ positions and operational policies that support other Maritime NZ groups to deliver and implement our regulatory approach and regulatory frameworks such as maritime and marine protection rules. The documents are also used by industry and the public.

Te tūnga | The role

PLEASE NOTE: We are recruiting two positions in our team: one permanent role, and one nine-month fixed term contract to cover a period of parental leave. 

The Senior Advisor Operational Policy Design will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects developing and updating operational policy. Recent topics include Licensing and certification for seafarers and operators, , exemptions, enforceable undertakings.

You'll provide high-quality evidence based operational policy advice on a range of interesting issues about maritime and marine protection matters. You'll establish and maintain collaborative relationships across Maritime NZ to ensure our work is well informed and connected.  

Nōu te rourou | What you bring 

We're looking for an experienced policy professional who can confidently operate in a complex regulatory environment.

You'll bring:

• Demonstrated experience developing operational policy, ideally within a regulatory or public sector environment.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret legislation and technical information.
• A collaborative approach combined with the confidence to challenge thinking and drive improvement.
• Experience leading projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, practical advice.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• A commitment to mentoring others and contributing positively to team culture

Mōu | For you

Maritime NZ recognises and respects te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with Māori to build strong, meaningful and enduring relationships to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.  

We aim to be a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported with a sense of belonging. We encourage our people to actively contribute to our workplace culture where we all thrive and authentically live our MNZ values.

Upon joining us you’ll receive a full range of benefits including Income Protection & Life Insurance..  Check out our full range on our careers page to find out more about why we love working here.  

Salary range $114,961 to $140,247 based on skills and experience + kiwisaver contribution.

Applications for this role close 11 November 2026

For any questions please e-mail careers at careers@maritimenz.govt.nz.

To view a copy of our position description please click the apply button above.