Director of Strategy, Planning & Assurance

Ministry of Justice (New Zealand); Wellington; On-site; NZD 177,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice (New Zealand) is seeking a Director, Strategic Planning and Assurance in Wellington to lead the Strategic Planning and Assurance Unit within the Policy Group. The role focuses on thinking ahead, prioritising work, and turning strategy into practical action across complex issues.

You will guide senior leaders, oversee Waitangi Tribunal inquiries, and ensure robust planning, performance insights, and governance to support informed decisions and resilient delivery.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading planning, strategy, assurance, or similar functions.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori-Crown relationships.
• Experience advising senior leaders and Ministers on complex issues.
• Ability to work across organisational boundaries and align goals.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and coaching others.
• Understanding of public sector planning, reporting, budgeting and decision processes.
• Day-to-day BAU responsibility for a small team and delivering timely, high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategic Planning and Assurance Unit within the Policy Group.
• Turn strategy into practical actions across complex, cross‑functional issues.
• Oversee planning, performance insights, stewardship and assurance activities.
• Lead responses to Waitangi Tribunal inquiries with integrity and care.
• Support senior leaders and Ministers with strategic advice.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Māori-Crown relationships

Advice to senior leaders

Cross-organisational collaboration

Team development

Public sector planning

Job description

The Ministry of Justice (New Zealand) is seeking a Director, Strategic Planning and Assurance in Wellington to lead the Strategic Planning and Assurance Unit within the Policy Group. The role focuses on thinking ahead, prioritising work, and turning strategy into practical action across complex issues.

You will guide senior leaders, oversee Waitangi Tribunal inquiries, and ensure robust planning, performance insights, and governance to support informed decisions and resilient delivery.