Senior Executive Assistant

Wellington based | Permanent | Full-time 4.4 weeks annual leave | Wellness allowance after 12 months High-impact EA role enabling executive decisions and influencing outcomes Salary range: $75,952 - $94,848, dependent on experience Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do This is a great opportunity for a Senior Executive Assistant to operate as a true strategic partner at the centre of leadership, supporting the Deputy Director-General, Performance & Governance (DDG) in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. More than traditional EA support, you’ll act as a trusted adviser and connector - connecting information and enabling high-quality decision-making across the Performance and Governance group. You’ll bring clarity to complexity, anticipate needs before they arise, and build trusted relationships across senior leaders and stakeholders, acting as a key interface between the DDG and the wider system. If you’re someone who thrives on purpose, pace, and making a real difference behind the scenes, this role offers the chance to step into a position of genuine influence and impact. Success in this role starts with delivering the fundamentals exceptionally well, creating the platform for broader strategic partnership and influence. Provide outstanding executive support, expertly managing the DDG's diary, correspondence, meetings, travel, daily priorities and optimising how the DDG’s time is invested for greatest impact. Partner closely with the DDG and leadership team to coordinate priorities, surface risks, provide insights on sequencing and trade-offs, and ensure clear visibility across the group. Drive high-quality decision-making through end-to-end coordination, QA, and timely delivery of performance and governance documentation, ensuring information is synthesised, aligned, and decision-ready. Enable executive and ministerial processes by triaging requests, coordinating inputs, and maintaining oversight of sensitive matters, using sound judgement to prioritise and elevate where needed and engaging with material to make connections and raise issues where required. Build strong system-wide connections while driving continuous improvement, and supporting equitable, effective ways of working. Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring Strong relationship management skills, able to build trust and represent senior leaders with professionalism and confidence in high-stakes and complex environments. Proven experience supporting senior executives in complex environments, managing competing priorities with sound judgement and discretion, and influencing outcomes through effective coordination and advice. Previous Machinery of Government experience, with a strong understanding of public sector processes and decision-making, with the ability to anticipate needs, identify risks, and align information to support decision-making. Highly analytical and proactive, with the ability to distil complexity, connect information, and provide practical insights to support executive decision-making. Advanced organisational and communication skills, with the ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and deliver with accuracy and confidentiality. Experienced EA/PA (ideally in government) with strong MS Office capability and confidence engaging across senior stakeholders, including Ministers’ offices where required. Ngā hua o tō mātou whare - What we bring Discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We're not just a workplace; we're a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, we value the authentic ‘you’, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experience each individual brings. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible. Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply Applications close midnight Sunday 19th July 2026. Click here view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at [email protected]. We are reviewing applications as they come in and interviews may take place during the advertising period. Please note if we receive a high number of applications this job may close prior to the closing date. We are not receiving recruitment agency submissions at this time. #J-18808-Ljbffr