Manager Client Service Operations, New Plymouth, Taranaki Region
Date: 17 May 2026
Location: New Plymouth, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Permanent, full time
• Grow your leadership capability in a supportive environment
About us | Mō mātou:
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.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
We are offering an exciting permanent opportunity for a dynamic and people-focused individual to step into the role of Manager Client Service Operations in our New Plymouth Service Centre.
In this role, you will provide daily operational leadership to a dedicated team, ensuring the delivery of MSD services and products meets client needs and aligns with our strategic priorities. You will foster a high-performance, people-centric culture, champion continuous improvement, and lead with integrity and inclusiveness.
You will work closely with the Managers’ Client Service Delivery and other stakeholders to ensure service excellence, manage workflow, and support staff wellbeing. This is a chance to make a meaningful impact while growing your leadership capability in a complex, client-facing environment. We are seeking a high performing individual who has a strength in operational performance.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
• Worked within a high operational performance role.
• Can support building a high-performance culture.
• A track record of developing people, including coaching or mentoring team members.
• Experience working in a client-facing or operational environment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach that promotes wellbeing and resilience.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding Te Ao Māori in everyday practice.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who is ready to take the next step in their leadership journey and contribute to MSD’s purpose of helping New Zealanders to be safe, strong, and independent.
Service excellence will resonate strongly with you, and you will play a key leadership role in an integrated services response, fostering an environment where social service agencies work together to achieve positive change in the lives of people, their families/whānau and their communities through the timely and seamless delivery of “client centred” services.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $104,359.00 - $129,869.00
Based on relevant knowledge, skills and work experience.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, please ensure you address the Key Accountabilities/Success Factors in the position description and Key attributes noted in the advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
For any specific questions about the role, please contact Shelley Tate Manager Regional Services| Taranaki, King Country, Whanganui Region on shelley.tate003@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: Sunday, 11:59pm, 31 May 2026
Joining us | Ko te hono mai:
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.
