Manager, Risk

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 121,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Professional development

Job summary

New Zealand Government Joba is seeking a Manager Risk to lead enterprise risk management across a large public sector organisation in Wellington. You will shape risk culture, inform governance, and support senior leaders with timely insights.

As part of the newly integrated Audit, Risk and Assurance group, you will develop and maintain the ministry's risk framework, navigate uncertainties with business leaders, and support decisions within approved tolerances.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in risk management, assurance, compliance or related discipline within a complex organisation.
• Demonstrated success building relationships and influencing senior leaders and stakeholders to think differently about risk.
• Strong analytical capability to identify trends, emerging risks and opportunities, and generate timely and meaningful insights to support decision-making.
• Experience developing and implementing risk frameworks, tools and guidance that support organisational performance and outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently to executive and governance audiences.
• Leadership experience with a proven ability to build capability, foster collaboration and develop high‑performing teams.
• Knowledge of contemporary enterprise risk management practices, the three lines model and public sector accountability frameworks.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and passion for embedding a proactive, risk‑intelligent culture.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Skills

Risk management

Stakeholder influence

Analytics

Risk frameworks

Communication

Leadership

ERM practices

Continuous improvement

Public service standards

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes. Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Ministry's enterprise risk management function and help shape a strong risk-intelligent culture across one of New Zealand's largest and most complex public sector organisations. You'll play a critical role in informing better decision-making, strengthening organisational resilience, and providing risk insights to senior leaders and governance boards. As Manager Risk, you will own the development, implementation and maintenance of the Ministry's enterprise risk framework. You'll work closely with business leaders across the Ministry in supporting them to navigate uncertainties, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and to make informed decisions that support the Ministry's objectives within established tolerances. This role is positioned within a newly integrated Audit, Risk and Assurance group focused on safeguarding trust and confidence in the Ministry and improving its capability and performance.

Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

• Proven track record in risk management, assurance, compliance or a related discipline within a complex organisation
• Demonstrated success building strong relationships and influencing senior leaders and stakeholders to think differently about risk
• Strong analytical capability, including the ability to identify trends, emerging risks and opportunities, and generate timely and meaningful insights to support decision-making
• Experience in developing and implementing risk frameworks, tools and guidance that support organisational performance and outcomes
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently to executive and governance audiences
• Leadership experience with a proven ability to build capability, foster collaboration and develop high‑performing teams
• Knowledge of contemporary enterprise risk management practices, the three lines model and public sector accountability frameworks
• A commitment to continuous improvement and passion for embedding a proactive, risk‑intelligent culture
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a newly reconfigured leadership team with a mandate to influence, innovate and make a positive difference. You'll work alongside experienced audit, risk and assurance professionals in a collaborative environment that values fresh thinking, professional growth and continuous improvement. If you are looking for a role where your expertise will be visible, valued and impactful, we'd love to hear from you.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Audit, Risk and Assurance team is positioned within Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate and provides independent and objective insights that support effective governance, risk management and organisational performance. The team works closely with senior leaders across the Ministry to identify opportunities, strengthen controls and support the delivery of strategic priorities. As part of a newly strengthened group, the team brings together internal audit, risk and assurance capability to provide integrated insights and advice that help the Ministry navigate complexity and achieve better outcomes for New Zealand's education system.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

For further information, please contact James Jong, Chief Internal Auditor at [e-mail]

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 18 October 2026. We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.