Director, Strategic Planning and Assurance

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

Job summary

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand in Wellington seeks a highly experienced Director, Strategic Planning and Assurance to lead the Policy Group's planning, performance insights, stewardship and assurance functions. You will translate strategy into practical action and guide senior leaders in prioritising initiatives.

You will also oversee Waitangi Tribunal responses, uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi relationships, and drive cross‑agency collaboration to improve the organisation's performance and

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading planning, strategy, and assurance functions.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori-Crown relationships.
• Experience advising senior leaders and Ministers on complex issues.
• Ability to lead across organisational boundaries and build consensus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategic Planning and Assurance Unit, delivering planning, performance insights, and stewardship.
• Provide high‑level advice to senior leaders and Ministers on priority setting and risks.
• Oversee Waitangi Tribunal responses with integrity and proactive engagement.
• Coach and develop a high-performing team and drive cross‑agency collaboration.

Skills

Strategic planning leadership

Māori-Crown relationships

Advising ministers/executives

Cross-organisational collaboration

Team leadership

Public sector budgeting & planning

Job description

Job Description

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, kandi he toa takitini

Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.

Te Haeata / The Opportunity

This is a key leadership role in the Policy Group, responsible for helping us think ahead, focus on the right priorities, and make well-informed decisions.

Job Description

Director, Strategic Planning and Assurance – Permanent, Full Time

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, kandi he toa takitini

Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.

Te Haeata / The Opportunity

You'll lead the Strategic Planning and Assurance Unit, bringing together planning, performance insights, stewardship, and assurance to provide a clear view of how the Group is performing today and what it needs to prepare for tomorrow.

You will help senior leaders navigate competing priorities, emerging risks, resourcing challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

A significant part of the role is leading the Ministry's response to Waitangi Tribunal inquiries. You will ensure the Ministry meets its obligations with integrity and care, while supporting respectful engagement on matters relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori-Crown relationships.

This is a role for someone who enjoys working across complex issues, can see the bigger picture, and is able to turn strategy into practical action.

You Will Bring

Ō pūkenga / Skills and Experience

• Significant experience leading planning, strategy, assurance, performance, stewardship, or similar functions.
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori-Crown relationships, and confidence working within Te Ao Māori.
• Experience providing advice to senior leaders and Ministers' offices on complex issues.
• The ability to work across organisational boundaries and bring people together around shared goals.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves when needed
• An understanding of public sector planning, reporting, budgeting and decision-making processes.

This role is also responsible for the day-to-day business as usual requirements and activities of a small team. You will support the team, and coach those around you to help deliver timely, high-quality work.

Mō Mātou / About Us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice, we are committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Joining the Ministry means becoming part of an organisation that values diversity, inclusion, and mana enhancing ways of working. We welcome and support people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions.

Utu ātau / Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $177,308 to $228,440 and the appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.

Applications close on 16 October 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.