Group General Manager Client Service Delivery
Date: 12 Nov 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Senior leadership role
- Make a meaningful difference for New Zealanders
- Wellington | Permanent, full-time
Strengthen Communities - Unlock Potential - Build Careers
At the Ministry of Social Development, our purpose is to help New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.
We’re looking for an experienced, values-led senior leader to join Service Delivery as Group General Manager Client Service Delivery.
This is a significant leadership role with the opportunity to influence how we support New Zealanders across the country. You’ll lead a large, nationally distributed workforce of over 3000 people providing employment, income and housing services through our network of offices and service channels.
At the heart of the role is people. The people we serve, the people who deliver our services, and the partners and communities we work alongside.
Manaaki tangata, Manaaki whānau.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Service Delivery, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership across Client Service Delivery and be a key member of the Service Delivery leadership team. Specifically you'll:
- provide clear direction and leadership for Client Service Delivery
- lead and develop a high-performing senior leadership team
- ensure our people are supported to deliver quality, connected services
- drive strong performance, service improvement and change
- build trusted relationships across MSD, government, communities, employers, providers and iwi
- strengthen our responsiveness to Māori and embed Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in how we lead and deliver services
- ensure effective management of resources, risk, health and safety, and business continuity.
About you | Mōu
You’ll be a highly experienced senior leader who can bring together people, purpose and performance.
You’ll be someone who builds trust, creates strong partnerships and inspires people around a clear sense of purpose. You’ll be comfortable leading at scale and through change, and bring sound judgement, political awareness and a pragmatic approach to complex issues.
You’ll also bring:
- significant leadership experience in a large, complex, service-focused organisation
- experience leading senior leaders and geographically dispersed teams
- a strong record of building high-performing, inclusive cultures
- excellent communication, relationship and influencing skills
- experience working across organisational and agency boundaries
- a strong client and whānau focus
- an understanding of government and the public service environment
- a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and improving outcomes for Māori.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Group General Manager Client Service Delivery, position description
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 11.59pm, Thursday 26 November 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 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. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Gerrad van Ooyen, Gerrad.vanooyen003@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
Our values of Manaaki, Whānau, Mahi tahi, and Tika me te pono guide how we work and how we support New Zealanders.
Working at MSD means you can strengthen communities and unlock potential – in the people we support, in our teams, and in yourself. We’ll support you to grow and lead at your best.
If you’re motivated by the opportunity to lead at scale and make a real difference for New Zealanders and their whānau, we’d like to hear from you.
