Specialist Systems Auditor

Position Overview

This full-time permanent role is preferably located in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, with other locations possible for the right applicant. The salary range corresponds to General Salary Range C, from $121,764 to $142,494 based on skill and experience.

About the Role

The Systems Audit Team executes an audit program vital to safeguarding food safety, assurance, and market access, which is crucial for New Zealand's $50 billion food and primary industries export sector. As part of the New Zealand Food Safety's Assurance Directorate, the team offers independent verification that regulatory systems perform as intended to maintain domestic and international trust.

The Specialist Systems Auditor will evaluate and enhance regulatory systems through varied audits across sectors such as meat, dairy, seafood, laboratories, animal welfare, and biosecurity, developing comprehensive insight into the country's primary sector. The position involves extensive travel nationwide, collaborating with industry leaders, regulators, technical experts, and international officials. Assignments range from single-day trips to audits lasting up to three weeks, with efforts made to allow weekend returns from long audits.

Key Duties

• Conduct regulatory assurance and system audits within New Zealand's food and primary production sectors.
• Evaluate how effectively regulatory frameworks, verification methods, and assurance arrangements achieve their goals.
• Manage and facilitate both onsite and remote audits by overseas competent authorities.
• Offer technical insights to accreditation organizations like IANZ and JASANZ to guide accreditation decisions aligned with MPI standards.
• Detect emerging risks, system vulnerabilities, and identify opportunities for ongoing system enhancements.
• Assist in the development of assurance mechanisms that uphold confidence domestically and internationally in food safety and primary production systems.
• Contribute to the team's Quality Management System along with health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives.

While auditors generally work within their sector of expertise, expansion into other sectors is encouraged to diversify abilities. The position provides continual challenge and chances for learning through a variety of audit experiences.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, curious expert who comprehends the dynamics of complex systems and how they produce outcomes. They must have a strong auditing, verification, or regulatory background with considerable expertise in their sector. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and make prudent decisions in challenging settings are essential.

This opportunity allows professionals, especially in food production such as meat and dairy processing, to broaden their scope beyond manufacturing and impact New Zealand's entire regulatory framework.

Qualifications and Experience

• A tertiary qualification in a primary sector-related discipline (e.g., Veterinary Science, Food Technology, Food Safety, Science).
• Professional auditing certification or equivalent substantial auditing experience.
• Excellent skills in relationship management and stakeholder interaction.
• Aptitude for system analysis, risk identification, trend spotting, and improvement recommendations.
• Understanding of international trade frameworks and MPI's role as a Competent Authority.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Animal Products Act and/or Food Act.
• Familiarity with related laws such as the ACVM Act, Animal Welfare Act, Organic Products and Production Act, and Biosecurity Act.

Additional Requirements

The candidate must hold a current full New Zealand driving license (not learner, restricted, or temporary) or an equivalent full foreign license with appropriate endorsements for the required driving.

The Team

The Systems Audit Team plays a pivotal role in sustaining confidence in New Zealand's food safety and primary production assurances. The team offers insights on system performance and its impact on market access, consumer trust, and New Zealand's international reputation for safe food. It includes professionals from scientific, veterinary, regulatory, and industry backgrounds who value collaboration, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing. Despite geographic dispersal, the team maintains a strong culture and mutual development support through regular online and face-to-face interaction.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Ministry is dedicated to partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, collaborating closely with iwi, hapū, whānau, and communities. The organization seeks to reflect and welcome diversity in its workforce, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply. The Ministry aims to be an inclusive workplace for all.

Application Process

Applicants must have or be eligible to obtain the right to work in New Zealand. The application requires a cover letter detailing personal values, motivations for this role, relevant abilities and strengths, and diverse perspectives, including non-work experiences.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 18th August 2026. Queries about the role can be directed to the specified contact email.