General Manager – Policy & Advocacy
Share
Job Location:
Wellington - New Zealand
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
9 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Champion Growers. Influence Policy. Inspire the Future of Horticulture.
General Manager Policy & Advocacy
Location: Wellington
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Chief Executive
About Us
At Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) were passionate about growing a thriving sustainable horticulture industry that feeds New Zealand and the world. We represent over 4300 commercial fruit and vegetable growers advocating for a thriving sustainable horticulture industry. Our vision is to create an enduring environment where growers thrive delivering healthy food for all forever.
HortNZ is shaping a positive future for New Zealand horticulture through leadership advocacy and influence for grower success. Our values Courageous by nature Collaborative for impact Credible through action guide everything we do.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and influential leader to join our executive team as General Manager Policy & Advocacy. This is a pivotal role responsible for shaping HortNZs policy agenda driving advocacy strategies and representing the horticulture sector at the highest levels of government and industry.
A key part of this role is building and maintaining strong relationships with growers ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in policy development and advocacy efforts. You will act as a trusted partner to growers engaging with them on critical issues and championing their interests in regional and national forums.
Reporting to the Chief Executive you will:
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team across a range of portfolios including policy and biosecurity.
- Develop and implement strategies that influence policy and deliver positive outcomes for growers.
- Represent HortNZ in national forums and maintain strong relationships with government industry bodies and growers.
- Provide strategic advice to the CEO and Board on emerging policy issues risks and opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape and champion HortNZs policy and advocacy agenda.
- Oversee policy development research and strategic engagement with government and growers.
- Lead environmental and sustainability strategies aligned with legislation and best practice.
- Build trusted relationships across government industry community sectors and grower networks.
- Foster collaboration and innovation within your team and across the organisation.
About You
You are an engaged and passionate people leader a strategic thinker and skilled influencer with a deep understanding of government processes and policy development. You thrive in complex stakeholder environments and have a proven ability to deliver results at a senior level.
You will bring:
- Experience leading teams and operating at an executive level.
- Extensive experience in policy leadership advocacy or government relations.
- Strong knowledge of legislative frameworks and environmental sustainability.
- Exceptional communication negotiation and relationship-building skills including experience engaging with growers or primary industry stakeholders.
- A tertiary qualification in public policy planning law environmental science or a related discipline.
Why Join Us
- Opportunity to influence policy outcomes at a strategic level.
- Work with a passionate team committed to shaping the future of horticulture.
- Flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.
- Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
Any further questions regarding this role
Contact Phoebe Murphy at for a confidential discussion.
To apply for this job and Position Description
- Please click apply for this job which will take you to our Internal Applicant Tracking System (BambooHR) to submit your application
- To view position description copy below link and paste in different browser (if viewing directly from seek)
to Note- Applications close at midnight on 19 February 2026
- Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship or valid NZ work visa.
- We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we receive enough applicants for the role.
- We will only accept application though our Internal Applicant Tracking System (BambooHR)
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Legal Drafting
- Communication skills
- Computer Operation
- Business Management
- Pricing
- Research Experience
- Information Security
- Project Management
- Administrative Experience
- Public Speaking
- Data Analysis Skills
- Writing Skills
