Team Leader - Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement (CME)

Role Overview

Two leadership positions are available to lead teams specializing in compliance, monitoring, and enforcement (CME) within environmental regulation in the Waikato region. This opportunity targets seasoned professionals ready to guide CME teams in managing significant environmental challenges.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide dynamic and effective leadership to deliver positive environmental outcomes.
• Manage high-risk environmental issues and organizational priorities.
• Guide teams through the complex and evolving resource management landscape, exemplifying best CME practices.
• Mentor, support, and develop staff to maintain high standards.
• Create and implement compliance strategies aligned with current and upcoming environmental policies relevant to regulated sectors.
• Collaborate with an experienced leadership team within a flexible, well-equipped workplace centrally located in Hamilton.

Candidate Profile

• Experienced and authoritative people manager and strategic thinker with expertise in regulatory environments and team leadership.
• Promotes a communicative, results-driven, and learning-focused team culture.
• Motivated to make a long-term positive impact on Waikato's environment with a pragmatic, diplomatic approach to balancing competing interests.
• Capable problem solver who remains composed under pressure, demonstrating agility and resourcefulness.
• Deep understanding of Te Ao Māori with a clear commitment to collaborative work with iwi, fulfilling Treaty and tangata whenua expectations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in compliance, science, law, resource management, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 15 years of operational experience within regulatory or enforcement settings, including at least 5 years in supervisory roles encompassing leadership, personnel management, business planning, or project oversight.
• Hands-on familiarity with the Resource Management Act and comprehensive knowledge of compliance, monitoring, and enforcement procedures.
• Strong strategic and tactical thinking demonstrated through responsive regulatory non-compliance management.

Team Structure

• Reports directly to the Regional Compliance Manager.
• Supervises a team of eight CME professionals with varying expertise and seniority.
• The team operates within one of four specialized CME portfolio groups focused on specific industries and activities under regulatory oversight.

About the Organization

• Dedicated to protecting the Waikato region’s environment to benefit present and future generations through sustainable management of water, soil, air, geothermal areas, and coasts.
• Cultivates strong community partnerships and outstanding customer service as fundamental organizational values.
• Works collaboratively with iwi and community stakeholders to uphold kaitiakitanga and foster a sustainable future positively impacting local lives.

Additional Information

• Applications are evaluated as received, closing on Sunday, 23 August 2026.
• Candidates may request a detailed role description or ask questions via the specified contact email.
• Submission of CV and cover letter in PDF format required to apply.