Scion specialises in forest health, protection and biosecurity research, science and technology development for the forestry industry, wood products and wood-derived materials and plant-derived chemicals for modern day items, i.e. plant-based plastics. We are home to creative minds, and we have a vibrant culture ensuring employees can pursue innovation and excellence in their research delivery through science and Mātauranga. We see the infusion of Mātauranga Māori into our research playing a critical role. In fact, we see the role of Mātauranga leading our research in several respects.

Scion’s new 2030 strategy – Transitioning New Zealand to a Circular Bioeconomy – focuses on providing New Zealand with methods for understanding the non-monetary benefits derived from our landscapes and forests and increasing forest wellbeing, and hence the health of the people; increasing value from forests grown for market, and developing a new primary industry of bio-fuels and bio-plastics.

With a newly established structure in place to ensure we have the right capability and talent to deliver on this 2030 vision, we are currently recruiting for a Portfolio Leader to lead the Restoring and Protecting the Mauri of Te Waonui a Tāne portfolio. It is our desire that this portfolio is Mātauranga led and Scion is looking to bring skill into its new Te Ao Māori research capability group. Scion is developing a Mātauranga-science model where the two-knowledge basis are woven together to create something stronger, while maintaining their differences.

Part of this role will be assisting Scion to develop tikanga (protocols) for Mātauranga based research. Scion does not expect the deep knowledge to be revealed but rather hopes to enable a means to support research in this knowledge area to derive solutions for New Zealand.

Under the Forest and Landscapes impact area this portfolio works with two others to deliver to New Zealand forest-based solutions that improve water and air quality, help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, enable New Zealand to sustain its primary food production, and improve indigenous forest wellbeing. The key purpose of this role is to provide strategic and tactical leadership, planning, direction, insight and quality delivery in collaboration with other Portfolio Leaders, Project/programme Leaders and Research Group Leaders plus achieve Key Stakeholder obligations through effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. This is an opportunity to develop a strategic direction for this portfolio to deliver on the 2030 strategy. 

Reporting to the GM Impact Area for Forests and Landscapes this role is vital to ensuring Scion achieves its strategic objectives and the successful candidate will be a leader of ambitious and innovative teams with a focus on collaboration and delivery of impact.

This role will suit someone with:

Scion is proud to offer: