Executive Coordinator

About the Role

This permanent position based in Wellington provides essential executive support to two Directors within the Assurance and Food Science & Risk Assessment directorates of the New Zealand Food Safety unit at MPI. The successful candidate will manage competing priorities, foster key stakeholder relationships, and ensure smooth information flow in the directorates. The position also focuses on improving operational processes and supporting broader directorate activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver proactive executive support to two Directors across demanding portfolios.
• Handle complex scheduling, meetings, correspondence, and priority management.
• Coordinate reporting, governance tasks, and business support functions.
• Cultivate strong connections within MPI and with external stakeholders.
• Assist with directorate planning, events, and operational workflows.
• Identify and implement improvements to systems and workflows to boost efficiency.

Candidate Profile

The ideal applicant thrives in a dynamic environment, adeptly balancing multiple priorities to keep senior leaders organized and focused. This role demands professional discretion working across multiple areas, supporting senior leadership and ensuring seamless operations.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Demonstrated expertise providing anticipatory executive support and managing competing demands.
• Strong proficiency with diary, inbox, meeting, and priority management.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for engaging confidently with senior leaders and diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively synthesize and communicate key information, risks, and insights to aid decision-making and organizational alignment.
• Sound judgment and discretion with sensitive information.
• Meticulous organizational skills producing quality and accurate outputs.
• Experience in process improvement to enhance team efficiency and outcomes.
• Comfortable using Microsoft 365, enterprise systems, and digital tools to support multiple directors and teams.

About the Team

You will partner closely with two Directors and their leadership teams in a high-performance, collaborative environment valuing relationship-building and continual enhancement of service quality. The directorates cover a broad range of technical and strategic projects, offering diverse working experiences.

About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries collaborates with New Zealand's food and fibre sectors to become the world’s most trusted high-value food and fibre provider.

Employment Benefits

• Additional MPI leave days beyond standard entitlement.
• Annual wellness payment.
• Paid eye exams every two years plus partial reimbursement for corrective eyewear.

Diversity and Inclusion

MPI is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, actively collaborating with iwi, hapū, whānau and communities. The organization welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and works to create an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Application Details

Applicants should demonstrate their values, motivations, strengths, and unique perspectives in their cover letter, which may include experiences beyond formal employment. Candidates must be eligible to work in New Zealand. The application deadline is midnight Sunday 4 October 2026.