Business Relationship Manager

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 141,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Wellington seeks two Senior Business Relationship Managers to bridge business groups with digital and data teams. You’ll translate needs into service requirements, shape demand, and prioritise investments to deliver value.

Reporting to the Director, Business Management, you’ll influence senior leaders, monitor service performance and drive continuous improvement across government processes and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in business relationship management within large organisations.
• Experience working in digital and data environments to enable business outcomes.
• Proven track record partnering with product management and delivery teams.
• Ability to identify demand, shape prioritisation and investment decisions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with Hautu and leadership teams as a strategic advisor.
• Be the main point of contact for business groups into Te Pou Korero.
• Translate priorities into service requirements, product enhancements and changes.
• Partner with Product Managers, platform teams and delivery teams to scope and prioritise work.
• Ensure services meet expectations using feedback and performance data.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship management

Digital & data environments

Executive communication

Negotiation

Service delivery management

Public sector processes

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomesOur organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.About this role | Mo tenei turangaFollowing establishment, Te Pou Korero | Digital and Data is looking for two exceptional relationship managers to join us as Business Relationship Managers. These roles are based in Wellington (preferred), with alternate locations considered.Reporting to the Director, Business Management, you'll be the bridge between the Ministry's business groups and our digital and data teams. You'll get to know what our leaders need, help shape and prioritise their demand for digital and data services, and make sure the services they receive deliver real value. This is a senior, high-influence role with no direct reports, where your relationships are your greatest tool.In this role you will:Build trusted relationships with Hautu | Deputy Secretaries and their leadership teams, acting as a strategic advisor on digital and data solutionsBe the main point of contact for business groups into Te Pou KoreroWork with business leaders to understand their needs, shape demand and support prioritisation and investment conversationsTranslate business priorities into clear service requirements, product enhancements and changes to live servicesPartner with Product Managers, platform teams, Practice Centres and delivery teams to scope, cost and prioritise workMake sure services and service levels meet business expectations, using feedback and performance information to drive continuous improvementSalary range: $141,146 - $171,196 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.About you | Mohou akeWe're looking for an exceptional relationship manager with experience working in digital and data environments. You're equally at home partnering with technical teams and advising senior leaders, and you know how to bring the two together to get great outcomes. Experience in service delivery management would be a real advantage.You will also offer:Extensive experience in business relationship management, stakeholder engagement or advisory roles in large, complex organisationsExperience working in digital and data environments, with a strong understanding of how technology and data enable business outcomesA proven track record of partnering with technical teams, including product management and delivery teams, and understanding how initiatives are scoped, costed and prioritisedThe confidence and credibility to build trusted relationships with, and influence, senior leadersExperience identifying and shaping demand, and supporting prioritisation and investment decisionsService delivery management experience, or experience monitoring and improving service performance (highly desirable)Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to clearly explain value, trade-offs and optionsSound knowledge of government and public sector processesThe ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.You'll have the opportunity to shape how the Ministry uses and leverages data, insights and digital services to achieve our outcomes. You'll work closely with senior leaders, data and digital leaders and technical experts to understand the needs of the business and deliver excellent outcomes. We value collaboration, curiosity and continuous improvement, and we back our people to grow. You'll work with leaders right across the Ministry and see first-hand how digital and data make a difference for akonga and their whanau.About our group and team | Matau ropu akeTe Pou Korero | Digital and Data provides the digital, data and technology services that support the Ministry and the wider education sector. Within the group, the Business Management team leads planning, costing, performance and business relationships, making sure our digital and data services are aligned to the Ministry's priorities and deliver real value.Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the `apply' button. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.For further information, please contact Stacey Richardson, Director, Business Management at [e-mail] close: Midnight, Thursday 29 October 2026.We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.