Establishment Lead

About the Company The Department of Internal Affairs, known as Te Tari Taiwhenua, is dedicated to serving and connecting individuals, communities, and the government to cultivate a safe, prosperous, and respected nation. Our work encompasses a broad range of services, functions, and regulatory responsibilities that significantly impact New Zealanders and their communities. In line with the government’s decision to end greyhound racing in New Zealand, we are establishing the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency. This agency will manage the orderly closure of the industry and ensure the welfare and successful rehoming of greyhounds. About the Role We are looking for an experienced Establishment Lead to play a vital role in the creation and early operations of the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency. This is a fixed-term position that supports a temporary agency, which will function until June 30, 2026, with the potential to extend through to July 2029. The primary objective of the Transition Agency is to oversee the closure of the greyhound racing industry and ensure that all remaining ex-racing greyhounds are safely and successfully rehomed. As the Establishment Lead, you will collaborate closely with the Greyhound Racing Ministerial Advisory Committee to set up the agency and define its functions. Your responsibilities will include leading the initial establishment activities, managing workforce planning and recruitment, developing the transition plan, and overseeing budgets, assets, and operational arrangements. This role demands strong leadership skills, sound judgement, and the ability to thrive in a complex, high-profile environment. What You'll Provide - Leadership support to establish the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency and integrate its operating model - Oversight of the development and implementation of the transition plan for the closure of the greyhound racing industry - Management of staffing, budgets, and expenditures during the establishment phase - Oversight of systems and processes to ensure greyhound welfare, tracking, and rehoming - Engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Ministers, industry participants, and partner organizations - Support for the Ministerial Advisory Committee, providing insights on transition progress and associated risks What You'll Bring - Strong leadership and organizational skills with experience in establishing or leading complex programs or organizations - Sound judgement and the ability to navigate a sensitive and politically complex environment - Experience in engaging with Ministers, senior stakeholders, and advisory bodies - Proven capability to manage budgets, assets, and operational delivery - Excellent communication skills with the ability to build trust across various stakeholder groups How to Apply We kindly ask that you do not submit applications via email. To apply, please click the apply button and submit your application through our system, including a current CV and a cover letter that outlines your suitability for this role. The application deadline is 5 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026. For more information, please contact Mark Batt, Director of Branch Performance. Please note that candidates must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.