Gm Engagement, Data And Innovation - Secondment Opportunity

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 205,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking an exceptional senior leader to head the enabling functions at the heart of RIS Identity and Regulatory services. This secondment extends to 30 June 2027 and is not a project-management role; you will lead essential services that enable delivery across multiple products and systems while keeping business‑as‑usual operations performing and evolving.

You will work with General Managers and senior leaders to set direction, align priorities, and deliver outcomes

Qualifications

• Experience leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to deliver complex programmes across multiple systems.
• Ability to balance strategic goals with operational realities.

Responsibilities

• Lead enabling functions at the heart of RIS Identity and Regulatory services.
• Ensure delivery of multi-product and multi-system initiatives while maintaining BAU operations.
• Collaborate with General Managers and senior leaders to align priorities and set direction.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional delivery

Change programmes

Job description

Senior Public Sector Leadership secondment opportunity to 30 June 2027 About Us | Mō mātou Within the Regulatory and Identity Services (RIS) Taituarā branch, the Engagement, Data and Innovation (EDI) group develops new products, services and operational policy to advance RIS Branch priorities. Our Data & Insights teams utilise our data and analytics expertise to inform operational and policy decisions and risk-based regulation, while owning our key regulatory systems. The role | Te tūnga We're looking for an exceptional senior leader to lead the enabling functions that sit at the heart of our Identity and Regulatory services through to July 2027. This is not a project management role. Instead, you'll lead the critical services that enable the successful delivery of complex, multi-product and multi-system initiatives, while ensuring our business-as-usual operations continue to perform and evolve. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment where competing priorities are the norm, working alongside General Managers and senior leaders to align effort, set direction, and deliver outcomes that matter.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou You'll be an experienced public sector Tier 3 leader with a track record of leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams and creating the conditions for successful delivery across complex organisations. You'll have experience in:

• Leading diverse enabling functions, including service design, data and insights, operational policy, and continuous improvement.
• Supporting the delivery of large-scale change programmes while maintaining a strong focus on operational performance.
• Driving initiatives that improve productivity, efficiency, and service outcomes across business-as-usual operations.
• Designing and implementing target operating models that enable organisations to deliver sustainably into the future.
• Working across organisational boundaries to influence priorities, build alignment, and achieve shared outcomes.
• Navigating complexity and balancing strategic goals with operational realities.
• Must currently hold Top Secret security clearance
• Must be a New Zealand Citizen

What sets you apart You're a strategic thinker with strong systems awareness and a deep understanding of how enabling services contribute to organisational success. You can see the bigger picture, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, and bring people together to solve complex challenges. Most importantly, you're passionate about creating the foundations that allow teams, programmes, and services to deliver their best work. If you're motivated by complexity, collaboration, and the opportunity to shape the future of public service delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

The appointing range for this role $204,651 - $254,676.

To access a full job description.

Applications for this role close Tuesday 6th October 2026

Please note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

GM Engagement, Data and Innovation - Secondment Opportunity Wellington, Wellington, NZ