General Manager Commissioning Transformation

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Wellington; On-site; NZD 236,000 - 261,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Wellington is seeking a senior leader to accelerate a major transformation of how services are commissioned to improve outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. The role reports to the Deputy Chief Executive, Commissioning and Investment, and is fixed-term to 30 June 2027.

This is not business-as-usual; you will establish foundations, governance, and momentum for a modern commissioning approach, leading cross‑organisation teams and collaborating with

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in large-scale transformation programmes.
• Experience building governance, risk management and delivery capabilities.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical operating models.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across iwi, Māori organisations and government agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Commissioning Transformation Programme.
• Embed new commissioning frameworks, tools and ways of working.
• Strengthen investment disciplines, prioritisation and decision-making.
• Build capability to sustain transformation beyond the programme.
• Partner with iwi, Māori organisations, providers and communities.
• Establish governance and implementation arrangements to support change.

Job description

Build something that will outlast the role itself.

• Lead one of the most significant transformation programmes at Oranga Tamariki
• Accelerate the redesign of how services are commissioned to achieve better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
• Fulltime role based in Wellington
• Fixed term or secondment opportunity until 30th June 2027

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is committed to improving outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi and ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child.

We work alongside whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations, partners and providers, communities and government agencies to deliver services that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This is not a business-as-usual General Manager role. This role is a transformation accelerator.

We’re transforming how Oranga Tamariki commissions services and invests in communities to achieve better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Commissioning and Investment, you will lead the next phase of that transformation. Your focus will be to build the foundations, capability, systems, tools, governance and momentum needed to embed a modern commissioning approach across the organisation.

This fixed-term role has a clear and purposeful mandate through to 30 June 2027. It is not intended to operate the future-state function indefinitely. Instead, it has been established to accelerate change, embed new ways of working, build organisational capability and create the conditions for long-term success.

You will work with senior leaders, providers, iwi, Māori organisations, communities and government agencies to turn ambitious ideas into practical change. You will remove barriers, align people around a shared direction and ensure transformation delivers measurable results.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Commissioning Transformation Programme
• Establishing and embedding new commissioning frameworks, tools and ways of working
• Strengthening investment disciplines, prioritisation and decision-making
• Building capability across Oranga Tamariki to sustain transformation beyond the programme
• Leading transformation teams and delivering complex change initiatives
• Partnering with iwi, Māori organisations, providers, communities and government agencies
• Establishing governance, assurance and implementation arrangements that support successful change

Most importantly, you'll leave a legacy.

By 30 June 2027, success will be measured not only by what the programme has delivered, but by the capability, systems, relationships and ways of working embedded across Oranga Tamariki and able to be sustained after the role concludes.

The commissioning system you help build will influence how services are commissioned, funded and improved for years to come.

Ko wai ka whai oranga i roto i tēnei mahi? | Who will thrive in this role?

You'll thrive if you:

• Love building new capability and creating momentum
• Turn strategy into delivery and ideas into action
• Enjoy leading large-scale transformation and change
• Can bring people together around a shared direction
• Focus on outcomes, implementation and lasting organisational change
• Are motivated by building capability that others can sustain

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

You will bring significant leadership experience and a demonstrated track record of leading complex transformation in large organisations.

You will also bring:

• Experience leading major organisational, commissioning, investment or service transformation programmes
• Strong programme governance, risk management and delivery capability
• Proven experience building and leading high-performing teams
• The ability to translate strategy into practical operating models, systems and sustainable change
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influence skills
• Experience working across organisational and sector boundaries

A demonstrated commitment to working alongside iwi, Māori organisations, providers and communities to improve outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead meaningful change at scale.

You'll join a high-performing team, work alongside influential leaders across the social sector, and play a central role in transforming how Oranga Tamariki invests in better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Annual remuneration: $235,660 - $260,800

We offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment where your contribution will make a genuine difference.

Few leadership roles offer the chance to help reshape an entire system. If you are motivated by purpose, energised by transformation and ready to deliver lasting change in a defined period, we would welcome your application.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter.

Your succinct cover letter should tell us why you're excited by the opportunity to lead one of the most significant transformation programmes at Oranga Tamariki. Share examples of how you have led large-scale change, built new capability, influenced system-wide outcomes, or brought ambitious visions to life. Most importantly, tell us what excites you about the opportunity to build something that will outlast you and help create better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across Aotearoa.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 28 October 2026

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for all kaimahi and requires employees to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.