Team Leader - Safe, Strong Families and Communities
Date: 17 Mar 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Lead a team that oversees the delivery of a range of services and products that help individuals, whānau and communities experiencing hardship
- Varied, challenging and a highly rewarding role
- Permanent opportunity Wellington based
Ready for a role where you can lead a strong team and make a real difference? Apply now.
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:
Safe, Strong Families and Communities (SSFC) supports a wide range of programmes and initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing vulnerability and harm for individuals, whānau and communities. It also funds and manages a number of key relationships with the social services sector. In our work, we make a real and positive difference for communities, through the services we invest in and the support we give.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
The role of the Team Leader is to develop a high-performing team and to provide strategic and operational leadership within the SSFC team.
The SSFC team oversees the delivery of a range of services and products that help individuals, whānau and communities. SSFC and takes a strengths-based approach to empowering people to set goals and achieve long-term, sustainable change.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate:
• Strong leadership capabilities with proven staff management experience
• Overseeing the design, development, and implementation of social services in communities
• Relevant subject matter experience
• An ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Be able to plan and manage delivery to agreed timelines and budgets
• Have a demonstrated ability of working collaboratively but also to influence and manage the expectations of others as required to ensure progress is made
• Lead and manage reporting to senior and executive internal MSD management
• Be an innovative thinker that can provide practical solutions for complex issues
If you’re keen to lead meaningful work that supports whānau and communities, we’d love to hear from you.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00
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: Tuesday 31st March, 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.
