Director | Operational Enablement and Support | Wellington
Date: 3 Jun 2026
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.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
• Office based role in Wellington
• Permanent role based at National Office
The Director, Operational Enablement and Support provides strategic and enterprise level leadership across MSD’s housing, health and disability, and Enablement Group Partnership and Programme functions.
The role ensures MSD’s contribution is integrated, future-focused and aligned with Service Delivery’s long-term direction, operating model and government priorities, with particular stewardship of MSD’s role within the broader systems.
As a Senior Manager within MSD, this role operates in a complex and politically sensitive environment. You will shape and deliver system-level advice, lead cross-government and national inter-sector engagement, and support strengthening MSD’s influence with Ministers, central agencies and delivery partners.
This role is an enabling function, alongside leading complex programmes of work, where you will be required to anticipate system and delivery impacts. You will also contribute to organisational governance, risk management, and system stewardship to ensure long-term sustainability and success.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
• Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation with strong enterprise judgement and understanding of the public and social sector
• Proven experience supporting senior and executive leaders and providing system-level, politically sensitive advice
• Experience leading cross-agency engagement and influencing system outcomes within housing, health, disability or social service sectors
• Experience providing strategic leadership that will enable and support MSD’s national service delivery functions
• Strong capability in strategic planning, operational and financial management, performance monitoring and programme delivery
• Ability to operate and deliver effectively in ambiguity, remove barriers, and enable high-performing teams alongside delivery.
What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou
This is an opportunity to lead at system level and shape outcomes for New Zealanders. You will work across government, influence national direction, and contribute to MSD’s services for the future while being part of a supportive and inclusive environment.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $200,121.00 - $266,828.00
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: 19 June 2026
Apply early - we may progress suitable candidates prior to the closing date
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.
