Senior Workplace Specialist, Wellington
Date: 17 Feb 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Provide Facilities Management advice, problem solving and task leadership across a range of priorities and services, in line with industry best practice and regulatory requirements
- Provide expert technical and commercial Facilities Management advice to support investment decisions, asset performance and future proofing the Ministry’s property portfolio
- Partner closely with internal stakeholders, contractors and government agencies to deliver safe, sustainable and cost effective workplace outcomes
About the role | Mō te tūnga
The Senior Workplace Specialist brings strong Facilities Management expertise across a range of capabilities to ensure our commercial property portfolio is managed in line with best practice industry standards.
You will provide Facilities Management advice, problem solving and task leadership across a range of assigned priorities and services, navigating lease, compliance and regulatory requirements. The role works closely with the Workplace Services team, internal stakeholders, contractors and external partners to ensure Workplace Services and Ministry objectives are met.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide best practice Facilities Management advice, guidance and task leadership across a large and diverse property portfolio, supporting complex and high value decisions
- Identify, manage and escalate risks and issues, providing timely and well informed advice to relevant stakeholders
- Develop, maintain and utilise information and reporting systems to support sound decision making and performance monitoring
- Research and recommend cost effective Facilities Management solutions, including preparing cost–benefit analysis and investment options
- Lead the planning, delivery and reporting of Workplace Services projects, initiatives and change activities
- Maintain strong professional relationships with internal stakeholders, contractors, suppliers, government agencies and industry partners
- Represent the Ministry credibly and professionally in all contractor, supplier and relationship management activities
- Ensure Facilities Management practices align with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and industry standards, maintaining professional currency
- Provide expert technical support, tools and guidance to others, including hands on support for complex work as required
- Manage budgets and contribute to forecasting to support effective financial management of Workplace Services activities
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
- Considerable experience designing and implementing best practice Facilities Management solutions, with a focus on future proofing commercial property portfolios
- Strong knowledge of building legislation and regulatory requirements, with the ability to clearly communicate and apply technical information
- In depth technical Facilities Management experience within government, a regulatory environment or the private sector
- Experience in HVAC and security architecture asset management and design
- Experience in environmental and sustainability reporting, including NABERS and energy reporting
- Demonstrated experience implementing strategies and initiatives aligned to organisational needs and long term outcomes
- Strong analytical capability, including experience creating, interpreting and using data and trend analysis
- Practical and theoretical experience in change management, particularly delivering innovative workplace solutions
- Sound understanding of current Health and Safety practices as they relate to the workplace
- Ability to produce clear, concise material at both strategic and operational levels for diverse audiences
- Proven ability to take a broad, long term view, anticipate issues and develop practical solutions
- Strong relationship building skills with clients, contractors and internal stakeholders
- Sound judgement and decision making capability, supported by evidence and analysis
- Advanced PC skills, including Microsoft products
If you have the skills and experience outlined above and are motivated to contribute to the delivery of high‑quality workplace outcomes, we welcome your application.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Workplace Specialist, position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 1 March 2026
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.
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.
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.
