Practice Manager - Architecture | Wellington | Permanent

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 Practice Manager Architecture, you will lead the development and performance of MSD's Architecture practice. Reporting to the General Manager Practice and Capability Development, you'll be responsible for growing a high-performing community of architecture professionals, providing strategic leadership across capability development, workforce planning, talent management and professional practice excellence.

You’ll ensure architects across the practice have the skills, tools, frameworks and support required to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes while supporting MSD's Technology Strategy.

Working closely with delivery leaders and stakeholders, you will help shape the future workforce, strengthen capability pathways, and foster a collaborative and high-performing architecture community.

This role is a permanent, full time opportunity and is based in our Wellington National office.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Lead and grow MSD's Architecture practice, setting the strategic direction for capability development, professional standards and ways of working.
• Provide leadership and coaching to Practice Leads and architecture professionals, fostering a high-performing, engaged and future-focused community of practice.
• Develop and implement workforce and capability strategies to ensure MSD has the architecture expertise required to meet current and future organisational priorities.
• Partner with senior leaders across the Technology Group to align architecture capability, resourcing and talent investment with business and technology outcomes.
• Champion architecture excellence by establishing, evolving and embedding practice standards, quality expectations, development pathways and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build strong internal and external relationships, leveraging industry insights and emerging trends to strengthen MSD's architecture capability and influence strategic decision-making.

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

We're looking for an experienced leader who is passionate about building great practices, someone who enjoys developing capability, strengthening technical standards, and creating an environment where architects can do their best work. You’ll also bring:

• Extensive experience leading architecture functions, practices or communities within large, complex technology environments, with broad knowledge across enterprise, solution and technology architecture disciplines.
• Demonstrated success building, leading and developing high-performing architecture teams and professional communities.
• Strong understanding of architecture governance, standards, quality practices and modern ways of working that enable consistent and effective delivery.
• Experience developing and implementing capability, workforce and succession strategies that strengthen organisational capability and support future technology needs.
• Proven ability to mentor and coach leadership skills, creating clear pathways for growth and career progression.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, build trust and partner effectively with senior leaders and technical specialists.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into practical capability initiatives, workforce plans and measurable organisational outcomes.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

A copy of the position description can be found here. Practice Manager position description.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $163,784.00 - $203,820.00

We expect to appoint this position up to $186,532 however a salary offer will be based on the preferred candidate’s skills and experience and our team relativities.