Manager Investigations

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 136,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Competitive remuneration

Onsite gym

Three paid holidays between Xmas andNY

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Manager, Investigations based in Wellington. You will lead a senior team of investigators and support staff, directing investigations and related work to support fair government administration.

The role is a 9-month secondment, based in our Wellington office. Salary ranges from NZD 135,652 to 178,043, with a midpoint of 169,565, and 100% on-site work is expected.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years' experience in investigative, arbitration and/or mediation environment.
• Management and people leadership experience with ability to supervise a team and set priorities.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to develop stakeholder relationships with agency officials, media and public.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Wellington-based Investigations Team, reporting to the Assistant Ombudsman Investigations.
• Oversee investigations and related work assigned by leadership; shape the Group's direction.
• Manage a Principal Investigator, Senior Investigators, Investigators and Support Officer.

Skills

Investigative experience or mediation

People management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder relations

Prioritising under pressure

Job description

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata - About the Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman works with his kaimahi to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.

Mō tō mātou tira - About the team

We have just completed an organisational transformation, and we are evolving how we do our mahi to have greater impact. Kaimahi are genuinely empowered, collaboration is real, leadership is visible and values-driven, and the people doing the work can see their input shaping the direction of the organisation.

Mō te tūranga - About the role

The role of Manager, Investigations is to manage our Wellington-based team comprising a Principal Investigator, Senior Investigators, Investigators, and an Investigations Support Officer, which will be responsible for investigations and any other work assigned by the Assistant Ombudsman Investigations. You'll work closely with the Assistant Ombudsman Investigations as part of the Group's Leadership Team, and will play an important role in setting the new direction of the Group. This is a 9 month-opportunity to lead an Investigations Team, as secondment cover.

He kōrero mōu - About you

• Demonstrated understanding of the role of the Ombudsmen in contemporary society.
• At least 5-10 years' experience in an investigative, arbitration and/or mediation environment.
• Management and people leadership experience and proven organisational skills, including an ability to productively supervise a team of staff and set teamwork plans and priorities.
• Ability to effectively prioritise and execute work in a high-pressured environment.
• Proven analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• An ability to develop stakeholder relationships and relate well to others, including agency officials, media, Members of Parliament, researchers, lawyers, advocates and members of the public.

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer:

• Becoming part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in NewZealand.

Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.

As the Ombudsman's role is to provide fairness for all New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life.

Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $135,652 to $178,043 with 169,565 being the mid-point.

This role will be based in Wellington office. Please note we are unable to consider 100% remote working for this role.

Applications Close: 4 September 2026 at 5 pm