We’re looking for a strategic leader to shape how we commission services that improve outcomes for disabled people. If you’re passionate about making a difference and know how to turn strategy into action, this could be your next move.

About our team | Mō te tīma:

The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for providing essential support to disabled people, their family and whanau. Our role is to be the effective commissioner, funder and steward of high-quality services that are responsive to disabled people’s needs.

The work we do is incredibly important and we take that responsibility extremely seriously.

We work with providers, stakeholders and the community to ensure that disabled people get the support and services they need.

It's an exciting time to be involved at DSS, as a result of the DSS Review programme and recommendations, we are investing in stabilising and strengthening the system. This involves putting in place the appropriate systems and processes to ensure we deliver fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable services now and into the future.

About the role | Mō te tūnga:

As Director Commissioning, you’ll work directly with the General Manager Commissioning and Funding and lead the strategic planning and commissioning process across DSS.

You’ll set the strategy, build capability, and ensure our commissioning practices are robust, innovative, and aligned with our long-term goals and outcomes.

You’ll support the implementation of the full commissioning lifecycle—from strategy development, planning, prioritisation, market engagement and procurement, contracts, performance monitoring, measuring impact, evaluation and dissemination of results and translation of results into practice.

You’ll ensure the use of data and evidence to guide investment decisions and measure outcomes, ensuring we deliver value for money and real impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Set the direction for commissioning across DSS.
• Lead the development and implementation of our commissioning framework, this includes, overseeing the full commissioning lifecycle
• Drive continuous improvement across the commissioning cycle.
• Use data and evidence to inform investment decisions and measure outcomes.
• Lead major commissioning initiatives in order to achieve outcomes.
• Build capability across the team and wider DSS business unit.
• Manage strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

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:

• Expertise in public sector commissioning - social sector experience is an advantage.
• A strong understanding of the commissioning cycle and how to establish and measure outcomes.
• Experience in applying data and evidence (including evaluation and reviews) to drive insights and support decision-making.
• Experience in monitoring and ensuring quality performance of commissioned providers and ensuring robust assurance processes are in place.
• Proven leadership skills and experience building high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to set clear direction.
• Lead a commissioning team and foster a culture of high performance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

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.

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.

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Tuesday 2 September 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.