The West Coast Region (Te Kaunihera Whakakotahi o Te Tai Poutini) extends over a distance of 600 km from Kahurangi Point in the north to Awarua Point in the south. The fifth largest region in New Zealand, it is bounded in the east by the Southern Alps and in the west by the Tasman Sea. Nature has endowed the Region with a spectacular environment, with over 80 per cent of the land area under Department of Conservation stewardship.
Within this vast natural setting, the West Coast Regional Council plays a pivotal role in managing the environment from an economic, social, cultural and sustainability perspective. This ensures the community and its future generations will continue to appreciate the work opportunities, environment, spectacular outdoors and life balance offered in this stunning part of New Zealand.
Job Description
Are you an experienced biosecurity or pest management professional ready to take the next step in your career?
The West Coast Regional Council is looking for an energetic and motivated Business Unit Manager to lead our Vector Control Services team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong operational experience who is ready to step into management and lead a busy team delivering important environmental programmes across the West Coast.
Vector Control Services is a long-standing and respected business unit delivering aerial and ground predator control programmes across the West Coast for organisations such as DOC and OSPRI. The business unit also oversees Council quarry operations that supply rock for infrastructure and public sector projects across the region.
The work is practical, varied, and rewarding, playing an important role in protecting the West Coast’s environment, communities, and infrastructure.
We are looking for someone who is organised, efficient, and motivated to succeed- someone who enjoys solving problems, leading a team, and delivering results.
About the role Reporting into senior leadership, this role provides operational, strategic, and people leadership for our Vector Control Services business unit. You will ensure our field programmes are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, while also supporting the growth and sustainability of the service.
You will lead the planning and delivery of operational programmes, manage budgets and resources, oversee contractors, and build strong relationships with stakeholders across the West Coast community.
Desired Skills and Experience
In this role you will:
Lead the planning and delivery of Vector Control Services programmes
Manage staff, contractors, equipment, and operational resources
Oversee Council quarry operations and associated contractors
Ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard
Oversee budgets, financial performance, and reporting
Support tendering and contract opportunities to maintain a strong work programme
Build positive relationships with stakeholders across the region
Drive continuous improvement in systems, processes, and service delivery
About you You will bring strong operational leadership experience and a collaborative leadership style that supports and motivates your team. We are looking for someone with energy, ambition, and the drive to take the next step in their career.
You will ideally have:
Experience in biosecurity, pest management, environmental services, or a similar operational field
Proven experience leading teams, managing contractors, and delivering operational programmes
Strong financial, planning, and organisational skills
Experience with contract management and tender processes
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience)
The motivation to take ownership of a service and help it grow
Full NZ driver licence and ability to obtain a Controlled Substances Licence
If you are looking for a step up into management where you can combine operational expertise, people leadership, and environmental impact, we would love to hear from you.
We welcome applications from motivated candidates who may be new to formal management roles. The Council is committed to supporting the right person to succeed and is happy to provide mentoring and leadership development for someone with the motivation, capability, and willingness to take on the challenge.
