Director | Operational Enablement and Support | Wellington
Job Description
About us | Mō mātou
\nThe Ministry of Social Development is a people‑centred organisation that works 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 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.
\nAbout the role | Mō te tūnga\n• Office based role in Wellington
\n• Permanent role based at National Office
\nThe Director, Operational Enablement and Support provides strategic and enterprise‑level leadership across MSD’s housing, health and disability, and Enablement Group Partnership and Programme functions. The role ensures MSD’s contribution is integrated, future‑focused and aligned with Service Delivery’s long‑term direction, operating model and government priorities, with particular stewardship of MSD’s role within the broader systems.
\nAs a Senior Manager within MSD, this role operates in a complex and politically sensitive environment. You will shape and deliver system‑level advice, lead cross‑government and national inter‑sector engagement, and support strengthening MSD’s influence with Ministers, central agencies and delivery partners. This role is an enabling function, alongside leading complex programmes of work, where you will be required to anticipate system and delivery impacts. You will also contribute to organisational governance, risk management, and system stewardship to ensure long‑term sustainability and success.
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- Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation with strong enterprise judgement and understanding of the public and social sector \n
- Proven experience supporting senior and executive leaders and providing system‑level, politically sensitive advice \n
- Experience leading cross‑agency engagement and influencing system outcomes within housing, health, disability or social service sectors \n
- Experience providing strategic leadership that will enable and support MSD’s national service delivery functions \n
- Strong capability in strategic planning, operational and financial management, performance monitoring and programme delivery \n
- Ability to operate and deliver effectively in ambiguity, remove barriers, and enable high‑performing teams alongside delivery \n
