Head of Custodial Services & Safe Communities

New Zealand Government; Waikato; On-site; NZD 169,000 - 239,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa, the New Zealand Department of Corrections, is seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership team as General Manager Custodial. You will be responsible for leading safe, humane and high‑performing custodial services across the prison network.

You will drive strategic and operational performance at site and system level, embed Te Tiriti obligations, and champion wellbeing, inclusion and strong governance across the workforce and partners.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex, high-risk environments.
• Strong capability in people leadership and culture transformation.
• Advanced relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
• Commitment to Te Ao Māori and inclusive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide network stewardship across custodial services.
• Set site strategy and oversee planning and financials.
• Drive safety, rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes.
• Lead leadership teams and talent development.
• Embed Te Tiriti obligations in decision-making.

Skills

People leadership

Change management

Performance delivery

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Risk management

Maori leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Ara Poutama Aotearoa, the New Zealand Department of Corrections, is seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership team as General Manager Custodial. You will be responsible for leading safe, humane and high‑performing custodial services across the prison network.

You will drive strategic and operational performance at site and system level, embed Te Tiriti obligations, and champion wellbeing, inclusion and strong governance across the workforce and partners.