Platform Capability Lead - Client Management | Wellington | Permanent
Date: 17 Jun 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Lead the strategic direction and delivery of a critical technology platform and capability
- Drive innovation through transformation and modern DevSecOps and platform engineering practices
- Shape platform investment to simplify and modernise systems, and improve outcomes for New Zealanders
Join a high-impact leadership role within IST where you will own the end-to-end delivery, strategy, and performance of a key platform.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.
Our Technology group provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.
We’re driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. The group is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As Platform Lead, you will be accountable for the strategic planning, delivery, and ongoing enablement of platform capabilities within the client management platform.
You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team and leverage delivery partners to deliver value, maintain critical services, and modernise the platform ecosystem to support future-focused outcomes.
You’ll work at the intersection of technology, delivery, and business outcomes, ensuring platforms are secure, resilient, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of MSD and the people we serve.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead end-to-end delivery of platform initiatives, ensuring reliable and secure services
- Set platform strategy, vision, and investment roadmaps aligned to IST direction
- Drive delivery practices and modern engineering approaches to improve delivery outcomes
- Ensure platforms are secure, compliant, and aligned with architecture and technology standards
- Build and maintain strong relationships across IST, business stakeholders, and vendors
- Lead and develop a high-performing platform workforce, managing capacity, demand, and performance
We’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
- Extensive experience delivering technology platforms in complex, integrated environments
- Strong understanding of agile and DevSecOps practices, with a pragmatic delivery approach
- Experience managing hybrid environments across on-prem and cloud (SaaS, PaaS)
- Proven ability to develop platform strategies, roadmaps, and business cases for investment
- Strong delivery leadership, including planning, operationalisation, and budget management
- Demonstrated people leadership, with a focus on coaching, development, and performance
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
- Experience managing vendor and supplier relationships and commercial arrangements
- Ability to balance strategic delivery with operational stability and continuous improvement
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Platform Capability Lead position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $138,125.00 - $171,889.00
A salary offer will be based on the preferred candidates skills and experience and our team relativities.
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 1 July 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
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
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. 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.
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. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
