General Manager, Strategic Programmes
Date: 17 Jun 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us
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.
General Manager, Strategic Programmes, Wellington
MSD – services for the future
Permanent role based at National Office in Wellington.
Are you ready to lead one of the most significant public sector transformations?
The Ministry of Social Development is embarking on a bold, multi-year journey to reshape how we serve over a million New Zealanders.
Guided by our strategic vision, Te Pae Tawhiti, we are building a stronger, smarter, and more responsive welfare system—one that delivers real, lasting impact for our communities.
We are seeking a visionary and dynamic General Manager, Strategic Programmes, to lead the strategic direction and delivery of MSD – services for the future. This is a rare opportunity to be at the helm of a once-in-a-generation transformation programme, ensuring our services are future-ready, people-focused, and aligned with government priorities.
What You’ll Do
• Provide strategic leadership across a complex, high-impact transformation programme.
• Ensure alignment between strategy, design, delivery, and measurable outcomes.
• Lead the Transformation Programme Office and Programme Investment Management Office.
• Drive enterprise-wide change investment planning and governance.
• Champion stakeholder engagement, including ministers, unions, and strategic partners.
• Build and lead high-performing teams that deliver excellence and innovation.
What We’re Looking For
• Proven experience in leading large-scale transformation or strategic programmes.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong understanding of public sector investment, governance, and assurance.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to connect vision to execution.
• A collaborative leader who inspires performance and drives cultural change.
You will bring the insight, foresight, and mana to influence across systems, champion Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and enable lasting, meaningful change for over one million New Zealanders.
Why Join Us?
This is more than a leadership role—it’s a chance to shape the future of social services in New Zealand. You’ll work alongside passionate leaders, influence national outcomes, and leave a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
Position Description
How to apply
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: 29 June 2025
Joining us
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.
