Regional Rural Lead

About Opteon

Opteon is redefining the future of property solutions, operating as a leading valuation insights firm across New Zealand, Australia, and the US. Combining expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, we provide trustworthy valuation services. Currently, Opteon is growing with a renewed focus on regional leadership, performance, and outcomes, creating an excellent opportunity for an experienced valuation leader.

Role Overview

We are recruiting a Regional Rural Lead to oversee the nationwide delivery of rural and lifestyle rating valuations throughout New Zealand. This senior leadership role encompasses responsibility for technical excellence, operational management, and stakeholder relationships across multiple councils. You will ensure valuations are consistent, justifiable, and meet regulatory standards while leading and developing a team of valuers to sustain and enhance rural valuation capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive management and delivery of rural and lifestyle rating valuations for multiple regions.
• Supervise triennial revaluations ensuring adherence to quality standards, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Manage roll maintenance operations adhering to key performance indicators and statutory deadlines.
• Deliver and evaluate complex rural valuations including dairy, grazing, forestry, horticulture, and lifestyle properties.
• Maintain robust, evidence-based valuation methodologies aligning with Rating Valuation Rules.
• Conduct quality assurance, peer reviews, and address audit inquiries effectively.
• Provide expert technical guidance on objections, including complex cases, and represent valuations in Land Valuation Tribunal hearings as required.
• Incorporate lessons learned into ongoing enhancement of valuation approaches and processes.
• Mentor and develop valuers at all stages, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Support graduate valuers' growth and guide career pathways towards registration.
• Forge strong partnerships with councils and the Office of the Valuer-General to communicate market trends, valuation methods, and procedure updates.
• Ensure coordination and alignment among multiple service providers when necessary.

Candidate Profile

• Registered Valuer with NZIV credentials or MRICS qualification.
• Degree in Property or an equivalent recognized academic credential.
• Extensive experience in rural and lifestyle property valuations.
• Strong technical knowledge of valuation methods and market data interpretation.
• Proven leadership background with experience in team building and development.
• Competence in managing rating revaluations within audit-compliant frameworks.
• Familiarity with objections handling and tribunal procedures is preferable.
• Excellent skills in stakeholder communication and management.
• Strong organizational, governance, and project delivery skills.

Benefits and Culture

• Opportunities for career growth, including expanding residential valuation teams and diversifying revenue in the Bay of Plenty/Waikato region.
• Coverage of NZIV membership fees and 5 verified CPD points, including internal training support.
• Paid parental leave to support employees during significant life events.
• Flexible working arrangements promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Structured onboarding and ongoing professional development programs.
• Recognition programs rewarding employee contributions.
• Confidential mental health and wellbeing support through the Intellect platform.

Inclusion Commitment

Opteon is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and embraces people of all backgrounds, abilities, ages, gender identities, and cultural heritages, including Māori as Tangata Whenua and Pacific Islander communities.