Transformation Recruitment Partner - Wellington

Date: 3 Aug 2026

Location:

Wellington, NZ

MSD service for the future - Transformation Programme

Strong focus on talent sourcing and talent management
6-month fixed term/secondment opportunity

Help shape the workforce that will deliver meaningful transformation.

MSD services for the future - Transformation Programme is looking for a dynamic, delivery-focused Recruitment Partner to help build the capability needed to achieve our programme outcomes.

This is not a traditional in-house recruitment role in that we're looking for someone who takes a proactive approach to sourcing talent, and is highly connected to the external market. You will play a critical role in identifying, attracting and securing talent for high-demand and technical specialist roles that are essential to the success of our transformation programme.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

As a Recruitment Partner, you will deliver targeted recruitment and sourcing solutions that support programme priorities. Working closely with programme stakeholders, people leaders and external partners, you will ensure we have the right capability in place at the right time. Your focus will be on proactive talent sourcing, market engagement, talent pooling and building effective recruitment strategies for technical specialist and hard-to-fill positions.

What you'll be doing:

Delivering end-to-end recruitment solutions in a dynamic, programme-driven environment.
Developing fit-for-purpose sourcing strategies to attract high-quality talent in competitive markets.
Proactively sourcing and engaging candidates through external talent channels, including LinkedIn, SEEK and other market networks.
Managing recruitment agencies and supplier relationships, including monitoring performance and driving improved outcomes.
Providing market intelligence, talent insights and workforce advice to support hiring decisions.
Supporting non-standard workforce requirements, including contractor engagement and contingent workforce solutions.
Recruiting for specialist, niche and hard-to-fill roles across the programme.
Partnering closely with stakeholders to ensure timely and effective delivery of programme capability requirements.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

Proven recruitment experience in a fast-paced, delivery-critical environment such as transformation programmes, technical environments, organisational change initiatives, large projects or workforce uplift programmes.
Strong sourcing capability and a demonstrated ability to identify and attract talent through multiple channels.
Experience building talent pipelines and managing candidate communities.
Strong agency management and supplier relationship skills.
Knowledge of contractor recruitment and contingent workforce solutions.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
The ability to balance competing priorities and deliver results within tight timeframes.
Commercial acumen and a strong understanding of labour market trends and recruitment best practice.

Why join us? | He aha i hono mai ai ki a mātou?

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a major transformation programme. Working alongside passionate leaders and influential stakeholders, you'll help attract and build the talent that will bring ambitious change to life. As part of a highly experienced and collaborative recruitment team, you'll be supported by a strong team culture, shared expertise, and a collective commitment to making a meaningful difference.

If you're energised by sourcing talent, building pipelines, working directly with the market, and delivering results in a high-demand environment, please apply and help us build the capability that will drive the transformation success.

If you’d like a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Recruitment Manager Bridget.cooksley005@msd.govt.nz

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

To view the position description, click here: Recruitment Partner position description

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 12th August 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.