Our client is an internationally operating organisation developing innovative offshore projects across New Zealand and the wider Pacific. With an expanding portfolio of projects and opportunities throughout the region, they are seeking an experienced Environmental Approvals Lead to play a key role in progressing their environmental consenting and regulatory approval programmes.
This is an opportunity for a senior environmental professional to take ownership of complex approval pathways, work alongside international technical specialists and engage directly with regulators across multiple jurisdictions.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Permitting, you'll lead the planning, preparation and coordination of environmental consents, permits and regulatory approvals for projects throughout the Pacific.
Working closely with environmental scientists, engineers and project teams, you'll translate complex technical information into practical consenting strategies and robust regulatory submissions.
You'll also represent the organisation in discussions with regulators and government agencies, helping establish the relationships and approval pathways necessary to progress projects.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and manage environmental consenting and regulatory approval strategies across Pacific jurisdictions.
- Lead the preparation and coordination of consent applications, environmental assessments and supporting technical documentation.
- Engage directly with regulators, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders throughout the approvals process.
- Work alongside environmental scientists and technical consultants to translate environmental studies and monitoring information into regulatory submissions.
- Manage consenting programmes, including project schedules, budgets, consultant deliverables and approval risks.
- Monitor regulatory developments and advise project teams on potential implications.
- Support ongoing compliance with environmental approvals, licence conditions and reporting obligations.
About you
You'll bring a strong background in environmental approvals, consenting or regulatory affairs, ideally gained within the offshore oil and gas, marine, energy or resources sectors.
We're particularly interested in professionals who have worked directly with offshore regulatory frameworks and understand the challenges of securing environmental approvals for activities in the marine environment.
You'll ideally offer:
- Significant experience leading environmental consenting, permitting or regulatory approvals for complex projects.
- Experience within offshore or marine environments, particularly oil and gas, marine infrastructure or resource development.
- A sound technical understanding of environmental assessments, environmental management plans and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with regulators and government agencies.
- Strong project management capability, including coordinating multidisciplinary teams, budgets and deliverables.
- Excellent written communication skills and the ability to interpret technical information for regulatory audiences.
- A relevant qualification in environmental science, marine science, engineering, geology, planning or a related discipline.
Experience across New Zealand, Australia or Pacific Island regulatory environments would be particularly valuable.
Above all, you'll be someone who combines technical understanding with sound judgement, builds trusted relationships and confidently leads complex approval processes.
The opportunity on offer
This is a chance to take on a genuinely regional role, contributing to complex and evolving offshore projects across the Pacific.
You'll work alongside an established international team of technical and environmental specialists, with the autonomy to lead regional consenting activities and influence regulatory strategies from the early stages of project development.
The position offers significant variety, international exposure and the potential for broader responsibility as the regional project portfolio develops.
Location is flexible across New Zealand, Australia and suitable Pacific locations, with regular regional travel expected (approximately 30%).
Interested?
If you're an experienced environmental approvals professional looking for a new challenge with an international focus, we'd welcome a confidential discussion.
For further information, contact Peter Henderson on 027 441 9300 at RobLawMax Recruitment, or apply with your CV through SEEK.
