Regional Labour Market Manager
Date: 30 Mar 2026
Location: Auckland, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
Two Permanent Positions Available — Auckland Central & East and Auckland North & West Regions
• Regional Labour Market Manager, North West Region - Permanent, full-time
• Regional Labour Market Manager, East & Central Region - Permanent, full-time
• Based at Auckland Regional Office, Ellerslie
• Salary: MSS06 $142,874 – $177,798
Mō te tūranga | About the role
This is a senior leadership role focused on shaping employment outcomes across your Auckland region.
As Regional Labour Market Manager, you will lead regional labour market strategy — working across employers, industry, iwi, and government to influence hiring, unlock opportunities, and deliver sustainable employment outcomes for the communities you serve.
This role sits within a wider Auckland system. You will work closely with peer Regional Labour Market Managers to align priorities, scale what works, and respond to shifting labour market conditions — contributing to a coherent, Auckland-wide labour market response.
Reporting to the Regional Commissioner, your regional focus will depend on the position you are appointed to:
• Auckland Central & East — covering central Auckland and eastern communities
• Auckland North & West — covering North Shore, Waitakēre, Rodney and surrounding areas
Ko te mahi | What you’ll be doing
• Lead the design and delivery of regional labour market initiatives
• Influence employers and industry to create real job opportunities for people who need them
• Use data and insights to inform decisions, identify trends, and shape investment
• Strengthen partnerships across iwi, community organisations, and government agencies
• Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on employment outcomes
• Work as part of a connected Auckland leadership group to align regional effort, share intelligence, and deliver a coherent Auckland-wide labour market response
• Represent MSD at regional forums and with senior external stakeholders
This is a visible, outward-facing role. Success relies on your ability to operate across systems, not just within them.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
You bring proven experience operating at a strategic level, with a clear track record of delivering outcomes in complex environments.
You will demonstrate:
• Strong experience influencing employers, industry, and stakeholders to drive employment outcomes
• Ability to translate labour market data into clear, practical action
• Experience leading teams and building capability in outcome-focused environments
• Commercial and strategic thinking, with the ability to operate across systems
• Strong judgement, credibility, and the ability to influence at senior levels
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding Te Ao Māori principles in practice
Experience delivering regional or national employment initiatives is an advantage.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Please review the Position Description before applying. Copy and paste the link into your browser:
http://www.msd.govt.nz/hr/documents/position-descriptions/dce-service-delivery/client-service-delivery/regional-labour-market-manager.docx
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Appointments are typically made between the start and midpoint of the band, depending on skills and experience.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Your cover letter must respond to the following two questions (max 1,500 characters each):
Q1: Describe your experience influencing employers, industry, or stakeholders to drive employment outcomes. What was your approach and what did you achieve?
Q2: Tell us about your approach to leading a team in a complex, outcome-focused environment. How do you build capability, keep your team focused on impact, and collaborate effectively with peer leaders across a wider system?
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact Executive Assistant to Regional Commissioner - Helen on helen.ho004@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: 11.59pm Sunday 12 April 2026
Joining us
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
