Head of Traceability

• Drive the delivery of a nationally significant traceability programme.
• Create meaningful value for farmers, industry and New Zealand’s biosecurity system.
• Lead a high-performing team while shaping the future direction of traceability.

OSPRI is seeking an experienced senior leader to lead its Traceability function and oversee the successful delivery of New Zealand’s national livestock traceability programmes.

About OSPRI
OSPRI is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with industry, government and farmers to deliver nationally important disease management and traceability programmes.
Through its work, OSPRI helps protect New Zealand’s livestock industries, strengthens biosecurity readiness, and supports the long-term success and sustainability of the farming sector.

About the Role
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Strategy & Programmes, the Head of Traceability leads the delivery and continuous improvement of OSPRI’s traceability programmes, including NAIT. This is a critical leadership role focused on executing OSPRI’s traceability strategy through effective programme delivery, stakeholder engagement and people leadership, while positioning the organisation for future opportunities.

You will ensure programme objectives are achieved through strong governance, execution, stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership. You will work across industry, government and delivery partners to navigate complex issues, build alignment and deliver practical solutions that balance strategic priorities with operational realities.

You’ll lead and develop a talented team, building capability, accountability, and a high-performance culture that delivers results while remaining connected to OSPRI’s purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of OSPRI’s national traceability programmes, including NAIT, ASD and wider traceability initiatives.
• Translate strategic priorities into executable programmes, plans and measurable outcomes.
• Drive programme performance through effective governance, planning, risk management and benefits realisation.
• Lead the ongoing enhancement of traceability systems, standards, processes and operational arrangements.
• Build trusted relationships with shareholders, funders, government agencies, industry leaders and delivery partners.
• Identify and develop future opportunities that strengthen New Zealand’s traceability capability and deliver greater value to farmers and industry.
• Champion a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture aligned to OSPRI’s values.

About You
You are a pragmatic and influential leader with experience delivering complex programmes in environments that require strong stakeholder management and organisational leadership.

You will bring:

• Proven success leading the delivery of large-scale or complex programmes, ideally within biosecurity, regulatory, compliance, primary sector or public sector environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse groups.
• Demonstrable success leading and developing high-performing teams.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with a strong focus on execution and results.

Why join OSPRI?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a nationally significant programme that sits at the heart of New Zealand’s livestock industries.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Deliver outcomes that strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity system.
• Create tangible value for farmers and industry.
• Lead a talented and committed team.
• Work within a collaborative, purpose-driven organisation committed to protecting New Zealand’s agricultural future.

If you’re a proven people leader with the credibility to lead complex programmes, navigate competing stakeholder interests and deliver meaningful outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

 
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:  5pm 12 October 2027
APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION:  www.jacksonstone.co.nz
REFERENCE:  BH- 11805
 
FURTHER ENQUIRIES – Ben Stevenson 0211015480