Manager Business Partnering, Wellington
Date: 8 Jul 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
Mō mātou / 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.
Manager Business Partnering, Wellington
- Leadership role
- Permanent position
- Based at National Office Wellington
We are seeking a strategic, people-focused leader to join our People Group as Manager, Business Partnering.
This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering high-impact people strategies that support MSD’s transformation and enhance outcomes for New Zealanders.
Reporting to the Director of Workforce Design and Partnering, you will lead a team of eight Principal HR Business Partners who work closely with senior leaders across the Ministry. Your leadership will be instrumental in aligning workforce capability with organisational priorities, enabling change, and embedding a consistent, high-performing HR partnering model.
This is a hands-on, influential role that requires a deep understanding of strategic HR, organisational dynamics, and leadership development. You’ll work directly with executive leaders to provide trusted advice, guide workforce planning, and support complex change initiatives. Your ability to connect people strategies to business outcomes will be key to your success.
Ngā Haepapa me ngā Whakatutukinga / Key Responsibilities
• Lead and develop a team of Principal HR Business Partners to deliver strategic HR support across MSD
• Partner with senior and executive leaders to align people strategies with organisational goals
• Drive strategic workforce planning and support major transformation initiatives
• Embed a consistent, high-impact HR partnering model across the Ministry
• Champion leadership and capability development to strengthen organisational performance
• Provide expert guidance on change management, organisational design, and workforce development
• Continuously improve HR delivery through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practice
• Influence and contribute to the broader People Group strategy and priorities
Mōu / About You
You are a seasoned HR leader with a strong strategic mindset and a passion for enabling people and organisations to thrive. You bring a depth of experience in complex environments and are known for your ability to lead through influence, build trust, and drive meaningful change.
Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako / Experience and Expertise
• Extensive experience in senior HR leadership or strategic business partnering roles
• Proven success in leading HR teams and delivering strategic workforce initiatives
• Strong background in organisational change, leadership development, and capability building
• Experience working in large, complex organisations with multiple stakeholders
• Deep understanding of HR best practices, employment relations, and public sector dynamics (preferred)
Skills and Attributes
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect people initiatives to business outcomes
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at executive levels
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style that empowers others
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable navigating ambiguity and change
• Values-driven, with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and public service
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of MSD, contribute to its transformation journey, and make a real impact through your leadership. If you’re passionate about making a difference and leading strategic people initiatives, we’d love to hear from you.
He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga / Position Description
Salary range: $161,811.00 - $214,131.00
Me pēhea te tuku tono / 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: 20 July 2025
Ko te hono mai / 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.
