Principal Advisor Planning Reporting and Risk

About our team | Mō te tīma

Disability Support Services (DSS) is focused on improving outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.

You will join the Business Support team, which helps the DSS group plan effectively, understand its performance story, and manage risk. The team works with senior leaders and business areas across DSS to provide clear information and support sound decision-making.

We work in a collaborative environment where people share knowledge, build strong relationships, and look for practical ways to improve how we work.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

As Principal Advisor Planning, Reporting and Risk, you will lead work across business planning, external performance reporting, and risk management.

You will provide clear, evidence-based advice to senior leaders and help ensure planning, reporting, and risk processes are connected and support organisational priorities. You will analyse information, identify trends and emerging risks, and turn complex data into useful strategic advice.

You will also:

• Lead the design and implementation of integrated planning, performance, and risk frameworks that align with the Groups priorities and government accountability processes.

• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leaders through high-quality, data-driven reporting and analysis. 
• Ensure alignment between planning, performance measurement, and risk management to support informed decision-making. 
• Develop and maintain robust planning and reporting processes and systems, including annual business planning, quarterly reporting, and performance reporting. 
• Identify, assess, and monitor organisational risks, and support the development of mitigation strategies and risk response plans. 
• Prepare clear, concise, and insightful reports, dashboards, and briefings for executive and governance audiences. 
• Collaborate with business units to ensure consistency and integration of planning and risk activities across the organisation. 
• Lead or contribute to the development of tools, templates, and guidance materials that support effective planning, reporting, and risk capability. 
• Monitor external trends and internal performance to identify emerging risks and opportunities for continuous improvement. 

This is a Wellington-based role reporting to the Manager Business Support.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

You will be an experienced principal-level advisor who can see the bigger picture while maintaining a strong focus on detail and delivery.

You will bring:

• strong experience in strategic and operational planning, external performance reporting, and risk management, within the public sector
• experience developing reporting methods, in particular experience and knowledge of non-financial performance measures frameworks and best practice, tools, and processes
• strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear advice for senior leaders
• confidence using planning and reporting tools such as Excel, Power BI, Planview, or similar systems
• an understanding of public sector accountability, governance, and Treasury reporting requirements
• experience in business analysis, process improvement, or programme management
• excellent communication, relationship management, and influencing skills
• the ability to explain complex information clearly and work effectively with people at all levels
• a practical and organised approach, with the ability to manage changing priorities
• a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.

Knowledge of disability issues would be an advantage. You will also be committed to improving your understanding of te ao Māori and confidently engaging with Māori, whānau, hapū, and iwi.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

A copy of the position description can be found here Principal Advisor Position Description

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00