Regional Catchment Manager

Key Responsibilities

1. Regional Coordination & Leadership

• Lead the day‑to‑day coordination of the catchment collective.
• Facilitate collaboration across catchment groups, identifying and supporting priorities and consistent communication.
• Support the Collective Leadership Committee to develop and function effectively, including meeting planning, documentation, policy and decision‑making processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with iwi, councils, MPI, NZ Landcare Trust, and other partners.
• Represent the collective at regional and national forums.

2. Programme Management & Delivery

• Oversee development and delivery of the annual work plan and regional programme of activities.
• Coordinate shared services delivered through BCA (admin, HR/H&S, training, data systems).
• Ensure timely reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of outcomes.
• Manage budgets, funding contracts, payment approvals and procurement processes.
• Support catchment groups to plan, deliver, and report on local projects.

3. Funding & Resource Development

• Lead development of funding proposals (including MPI, councils, philanthropic funders).
• Identify new funding opportunities and partnerships.
• Support catchment groups to access funding, prepare applications, and meet compliance requirements.

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Build trusted relationships with catchment groups, industry partners and all key stakeholders
• Good understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Ensure clear, consistent communication across the collective.
• Develop regional communications, updates, and success stories.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, field days, training, and cross‑catchment learning.

5. Governance Support

• Provide high‑quality secretariat support to the Collective Leadership Committee.
• Prepare agendas, papers, briefing notes, and decision records.
• Support governance development, including induction, capability building, and performance review.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with farmer‑led principles.

6. Data, Insights & Reporting

• Oversee regional data systems, monitoring frameworks, and shared tools.
• Coordinate collection of catchment‑level data and insights.
• Prepare regional reporting for funders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support development of a regional knowledge hub.

Key Relationships

• Collective Leadership Committee (farmer led governance group)
• Catchment group coordinators and committees
• Bay Conservation Alliance (shared services provider)
• Iwi partners
• Bay of Plenty Regional Council
• District Councils
• MPI
• NZ Landcare Trust
• Rural sector organisations (DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, horticulture bodies)
• Contractors, consultants, and technical specialists

Person Specification

Skills & Experience

• A strong self-starter, able to shape the development of this new role.
• Strong experience in programme management, community engagement, or rural sector coordination.
• Proven ability to work with farmers, landowners, and rural communities.
• Experience in governance support, stakeholder management, and multi‑party collaboration.
• Understanding of freshwater management, catchment restoration, biodiversity, and rural land management.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, manage complexity, and navigate diverse expectations.
• Willingness to travel across the Bay of Plenty.

Attributes

• Highly relational, trusted, and credible with farmers.
• Practical, solutions‑focused, and able to translate strategy into action.
• Skilled at balancing regional coordination with local autonomy.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Committed to farmer‑led decision‑making and partnership with iwi.

Role Details

• Location: Bay of Plenty (flexible within region)
• Reports to: Collective Leadership Committee (farmer governance group)
• Hosted by: Bay Conservation Alliance (contract, HR, admin support)
• Direct Reports: Contractors and project coordinators as required
• Hours: Estimated 30hrs per week  
• Contract: Initially 9 months (October 2026 – June 2027, subject to funding. (It is intended that the role will continue with a longer-term funding agreement)

If this sounds like you, apply with your CV and cover letter outlining your experience and why this role interests you to michelle@bayconservation.nz  or apply online.