Business Partner Health Safety Contract Management Partnerships at Department of Conservation, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead safer partnerships across DOC by strengthening contractor management, reducing risk, and influencing better outcomes for people and conservation

• $110,033.00 - $145,000.00

• Permanent full time, Auckland or Wellington location preferred - flexible work location options across Aotearoa

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa



DOC is strengthening its Health, Safety and Security function to better support our people, manage critical risks, and build organisational resilience with a risk-informed and people-centred approach that focuses on learning, prevention, system stewardship, and partnership. These roles offer a unique opportunity to help shape how DOC supports its people, safeguards its operations, and delivers conservation outcomes across Aotearoa.



Mō te tūranga | About the role

DOC works with a wide range of contractors, suppliers, concessionaires and partners to achieve conservation outcomes across Aotearoa. This is an opportunity to lead the way in contractor health and safety management, partnering with leaders and external stakeholders to ensure robust systems, strong assurance, and effective management of shared risks and obligations. You'll influence decision-making at both a strategic and operational level while helping shape how DOC manages contractor and partnership risks into the future.

As DOC continues to evolve, we're strengthening our approach to contractor management by creating greater consistency, improving assurance, and ensuring critical risks are effectively managed across complex contractual and partnership arrangements. This role provides specialist leadership in an area that is fundamental to how DOC delivers conservation work and enables strong, risk-informed relationships with our partners.

The position will be focussed on:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of DOC's contractor management framework

• Partner with business groups to manage contractor, supplier and partnership-related risks

• Deliver assurance, verification and critical risk management activities across the organisation

• Build organisational capability through coaching, training and practical guidance

• Foster strong relationships with contractors, suppliers, operational teams and external stakeholders

Click here for the Role Description



Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are keen to hear from you, if you have;

• Significant experience in contractor safety management within complex operating environments

• Strong knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act and associated regulations

• Experience leading assurance activities, audits and risk reviews

• Ability to influence leaders and drive positive health and safety outcomes

• Strong understanding of contractor risk, overlapping duties and shared responsibilities

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills

• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving capability

• Ability to translate technical requirements into practical solutions

• Full NZ drivers licence and ability to travel for work as required

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What's in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Want to know more?



Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We're unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.

Salary: $110,033.00 - $145,000.00, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.'

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 15 November 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Emily Blokker, Senior Recruitment Advisor eblokker@doc.govt.nz

Please note, we're unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

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