Director, Business Readiness and Change Implementation, Wellington
Date: 22 Sept 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
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.
Director, Business Readiness and Change Implementation, Wellington
- Permanent role
- Based at National Office, Wellington
Join MSD’s flagship transformation programme, MSD – services for the future, and help shape how we deliver services to New Zealanders for the next 30 years.
This is a rare opportunity to lead strategic change implementation across a multi-year programme that will impact over a million people.
About the role / Mō te tūnga
As Director, Business Readiness and Change Implementation, you’ll lead the strategic planning and execution of change across the programme lifecycle. You’ll ensure MSD is ready for each transition state, overseeing rollout strategies, migration, piloting, release management, and early life support.
You’ll also lead the Programme Change Management function, ensuring visibility and integration of all transformation and operational changes.
What you’ll bring / Ōu pūmanawatanga
• Relevant experience in a Director or similar role
• Experience leading and managing subject matter experts across different business streams
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills across complex environments
• Expertise in business implementation, change management, and strategic planning
• Strong understanding of delivery functions and how to embed change across large operational teams
• Significant experience managing multiple internal stakeholders
• Deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity principles in public service.
What you’ll need to succeed / Ko tō āhua
We’re looking for a strategic leader who:
• Thrives in complexity and can navigate ambiguity with confidence
• Builds trust-based relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders
• Communicates with clarity and influence across all levels of the organisation
• Makes sound decisions using evidence, insight, and empathy
• Champions innovation and continuous improvement
• Leads with integrity, authenticity, and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Welcomes and values diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
What’s in it for you / Nōu te rourou
• Be part of a high-impact programme that will shape the future of public services in Aotearoa
• Work alongside passionate, purpose-driven professionals in a collaborative and inclusive environment
• Lead meaningful change that improves outcomes for over a million New Zealanders
If you're passionate about shaping the future of public services and have the experience to lead transformational change, we want to hear from you.
Apply now to be part of a once-in-a-generation programme that will positively impact the lives of over a million New Zealanders.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $161,811.00 - $214,131.00
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, 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 us at jobs@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: 1 October 2025
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.
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.
