• Provide strategic leadership and direction to a high-performing team.
• Champion DairyNZ’s voice in policy, advocacy, and government engagement. 
• Influence change and protect the future of dairy through collaboration, innovation, and trusted relationships.

About DairyNZ

DairyNZ is progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming – Te whanake anamata angitu mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and innovative in their thought leadership, motivated by their vision and a desire to see communities benefit from a thriving dairy sector. With a keen eye on the changing dynamics of society, lifestyle, and demand, they strive to stay ahead of the curve, creating a positive future for generations to come. At DairyNZ, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation, working alongside talented professionals who care deeply about the future of dairy farming in New Zealand.

About the Role

To amplify impact and leadership, we are seeking a General Manager – Policy & Government Relations; an influential executive who will shape and champion DairyNZ’s policy, advocacy, and government relations across local, national, and international stages.

Reporting to the CEO, you will:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, building capability through a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.
• Develop and implement strategies that bring DairyNZ’s vision to life and drive change through effective policy and advocacy.
• Oversee multiple teams, including:
• Policy & Advocacy – providing strategic oversight and delivery of policy development, advocacy, and leadership of central government and regional council responses.
• Government Relations – leading DairyNZ’s engagement with regional and central government.
• Biosecurity – partnering to ensure robust systems and responses to protect the dairy sector.
• Foster and maintain high-value relationships, acting as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders and representing DairyNZ at the highest levels, including national and international forums.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration, evaluating delivery and making improvements to connect, align, and inspire.
• Be a trusted advisor to the leadership team, providing strategic counsel and amplifying key campaigns, initiatives, and stakeholder events.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced and future-focused leader who understands the power of policy, advocacy, and engagement to drive meaningful change.

You will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Public Affairs, Political Science, Law, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in policy, government relations, or public affairs, including high-level stakeholder engagement.
• Experience operating as part of an executive leadership team.
• Proven ability to navigate complex political and business environments with diplomacy and influence.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to achieve strategic outcomes in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Expertise in environmental scanning and identifying emerging trends and issues.
• Credibility within the primary industry, nationally and internationally.
• Business and commercial acumen, including managing large budgets.
• Programme leadership and governance across multiple projects.
• Strong relationship-building skills across government and industry partners.
• A genuine affinity for dairy farming and an understanding of its role in New Zealand’s economy.

Why DairyNZ?

You will be part of a passionate and supportive team where your expertise will directly contribute to better futures for farmers and communities across New Zealand. DairyNZ offers a flexible, values-led work environment where innovation, learning, and people come first.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Employee-centric staff wellbeing programme.
• Professional development available for all employees.
• Culture capability (Māori) personal development.
• EAP services.
• Whānau-first philosophy including access to discretionary leave for life’s “curve balls”.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

For further information or a confidential conversation, contact Senga Allen on 0272104212.

Position Description