Deputy Chief Executive, Disability Support Services

Apply now »

Date: 23 Apr 2026

Location: Wellington, NZ

Company: Ministry of Social Development

  • Lead and shape a nationally significant disability support system, improving outcomes for disabled people and their whānau
  • Executive leadership role with accountability for commissioning and funding over $2b of disability support services
  • National Office, Wellington based role
     

In this influential executive role, you will lead Disability Support Services to deliver fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable supports across Aotearoa New Zealand making a tangible difference for disabled people, their whānau and carers.
 

About our team | Mō te tīma:

 

The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau. 

 

We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively. 

 

We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.

 

 

About the role | Mō te tūnga:

 

As Deputy Chief Executive, DSS, you will set the overall strategic direction and oversee the performance and operational delivery of disability support services for around 50,000 disabled people and their whānau and for the commissioning of over $2.5b disability support services annually. 

 

As a member of the MSD Leadership Team, you will help drive the Ministry’s strategy and work collaboratively across MSD and government to strengthen how DSS operates.

 

You’ll embed robust performance monitoring, delivering value for money, and leading transformation that improves consistency, fairness and transparency across the disability system.

 

Key responsibilities include:

 

  • Set and lead the strategic direction for DSS, aligning planning, investment and delivery to improve outcomes for disabled people.
  • Provide high-quality advice and counsel to the Chief Executive, MSD Leadership Team and Ministers on Disability Support Services and related priorities.
  • Lead commissioning and funding activities (over $2b), ensuring services are effective, efficient, sustainable and deliver value for money.
  • Build and lead a high-performing executive and specialist leadership group, strengthening capability, culture, and continuous improvement across DSS.
  • Champion strong internal and external partnerships, including with Māori as a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, and lead risk, financial and performance management.

 

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
 

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you. 

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

 

We’re looking for an experienced executive leader with the credibility, strategic capability and relationship skills to lead in a complex environment and deliver better outcomes for disabled people, their whānau and carers. You will bring:

 

  • Extensive senior leadership/general management experience in the public service with sound knowledge of machinery of government and experience providing high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers.
  • In-depth understanding of the disability sector in New Zealand, including current settings, stakeholder and emerging issues.
  • Deep appreciation of disability support needs and a commitment to fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable services for disabled people and their whānau.
  • A proven record of developing and delivering organisational strategy, leading through ambiguity and driving system-level change through influence.
  • Strong strategic planning, financial management and commercial acumen, with experience managing significant budgets and investment decisions.
  • Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management skills, with the ability to operate confidently in political and cross-agency environments.
  • Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to build effective partnerships that support better outcomes for Māori.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop senior leaders and high-performing teams, building capability, engagement and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Highly developed communication, judgement and integrity, with the courage to lead risk management and make sound decisions.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

 

A copy of the position description can be found here. Deputy Chief Executive – Disability Support Services, position description.

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 3 May 2026

 
About us | Mō mātou: 

 

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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. 
 

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.
 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:

 

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment.

 

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, 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 bridget.cooksley005@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.

 

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. You can find out more about our values here. 

 

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.