General Manager - Security & Digital Performance

About the organisation

Bioeconomy Science Institute has been formed through the joining together of AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion. The organisation brings together more than 2,200 people focused on strengthening the bioeconomy in New Zealand and internationally.

Its work supports innovation across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing, while also helping protect ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate-related risks and advancing new bio-based technologies and products.

Role overview

This senior leadership position reports directly to the Chief Digital Officer and is responsible for shaping the organisation’s approach to security and digital performance. The role focuses on cybersecurity, protective security, stronger governance of digital investment, architecture and portfolio performance, and ensuring digital services deliver genuine value.

The position operates as an independent second-line function, providing direction, oversight and challenge across delivery teams rather than directly owning delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Set the organisation’s cybersecurity and protective security direction, including strategy, policy and assurance.
• Make sure security risks are identified, managed effectively and reported clearly to the Chief Digital Officer, executive leadership and the Board.
• Improve digital investment oversight, portfolio governance and performance reporting to support better enterprise decisions.
• Direct enterprise architecture and design governance so systems remain connected, durable and aligned with strategy.
• Lead readiness for incident response and contribute at an executive level during significant incidents.
• Develop productive working relationships across digital, science and corporate functions to strengthen capability and outcomes.
• Lead, coach and grow a high-performing team with clear expectations, accountability and ongoing improvement.

What you need to bring

• Extensive senior leadership experience in cybersecurity, digital governance or enterprise risk.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks, risk management and assurance approaches.
• Experience working within, or closely alongside, second-line or governance functions.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to enterprise-level investment, portfolio or performance decisions.
• Capability to turn strategy into practical action and measurable improvement.
• Well-developed influencing and relationship-building skills, including experience engaging with executive leaders and Boards.
• Experience leading teams and building organisational capability.
• Sound judgement with the ability to balance risk, delivery and performance.

Benefits and working environment

• A significant leadership role with organisation-wide impact.
• The chance to shape how security and digital performance are managed across the enterprise.
• Ongoing focus on continuous improvement and capability building.
• A collaborative, supportive and inclusive workplace.
• Work that supports world-class science and long-term outcomes.

Additional information

Location preference is Auckland, with Christchurch also listed as an option. This is a permanent, full-time position. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter explaining why the role suits them. Applications will be considered as they come in, and interviews may take place before the closing date. The full position description can be accessed through the careers website after clicking the apply link. The organisation welcomes applicants who are enthusiastic about contributing to its change journey.