Manager Strategy, Performance and Crown Entities
Date: 25 Jan 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Permanent role
• Wellington based
• Salary range: $142,874 - $177,798
Ready to lead strategy and lift performance across a large public service organisation? Apply today.
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 our team | Mō te tīma:
At the Ministry of Social Development, our Strategy, Investment and Organisational Performance team is committed to helping New Zealanders be safe, strong, and independent. We work collectively to make a meaningful difference for our communities, guided by our values of manaaki, whānau, mahi tahi, and tika me te pono. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we support Māori, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities to realise their potential and aspirations.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As the Manager Strategy, Performance and Crown Entities, you will lead a team of Principal Advisors, Senior Advisors, and Advisors. Your team supports the Chief Executive and Leadership Team to set the Ministry’s strategic direction, manages performance and accountability responsibilities, monitors Crown entities and manages appointment processes.
You’ll develop strong relationships with a range of senior internal and external stakeholders, and provide technical leadership and advice to ensure business groups have a clear understanding of their obligations for performance and accountability processes.
This position is based at our National Office in Wellington and reports to the General Manager Strategy, Investment and Organisational Performance.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
We’re looking for someone with:
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent operational experience
• Proven management experience, ideally in the public sector
• Experience leading organisational strategy processes and Crown entity monitoring/appointments
• Strong background in policy, budget, and performance reporting
• Demonstrated expertise in public sector performance measurement
• Highly effective communication skills, with the ability to adapt style to different audiences
• Sound judgement and political sensitivity
• Exceptional relationship management skills, both internally and externally
• Excellent management skills, including change management, planning, and project management
• Experience building strong team culture and leading performance, innovation, and change
• Analytical, conceptual, and strategic thinking skills
• Initiative, energy, and commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands
• Credibility, integrity, and professionalism
• Flexibility and adaptability in fluid environments
• Strong client focus and collaborative approach
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Join us and be part of a team that’s committed to positive change.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
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: Sunday 8th February, 2026.
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.
