Platform Manager M35

Ministry of Social Development NZ; Wellington; On-site; NZD 164,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Social Development NZ in Wellington Central is seeking a Platform Manager for Microsoft 365 to lead the strategic direction, roadmaps and ongoing evolution of MSD's enterprise platform ecosystem.

You will partner with the Technology Group and senior stakeholders to drive platform modernization, security, resilience and the adoption of AI capabilities, while coaching delivery teams to achieve measurable outcomes for New Zealanders.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale technology platforms within government or complex enterprise environments.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 suite, modern workplace services and cloud platforms.
• Proven success developing platform strategies, roadmaps and business cases that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and creating high-performing delivery environments.
• Strong understanding of Agile, DevSecOps and modern technology delivery practices.
• Experience managing platform operations, service performance, budgets and investment portfolios.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, with a passion for developing people and growing capability.
• Experience managing strategic vendor and partner relationships to deliver value and performance.

Responsibilities

• Refine and deliver the Microsoft 365 platform strategy, vision, roadmap and investment priorities ensuring alignment with Technology, Transformation and wider government digital strategies
• Drive secure adoption of modern M365 capabilities, automation and AI (Copilot)
• Lead end-to-end delivery of platform initiatives ensuring business value is realised and commitments are achieved
• Oversee platform operations, security, resilience and ongoing enhancement of Microsoft 365 services
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior business stakeholders, technology leaders, vendors and partners
• Lead, coach and develop platform leaders and multidisciplinary delivery teams to foster a high-performing culture
• Manage platform budgets, investment planning, governance activities and technology risk management

Skills

Leadership

Microsoft 365

Agile

DevSecOps

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Vendor management

Team leadership

Platform modernization

Cloud platforms

Job description

Ministry of Social Development NZ - Wellington Central, North Island

• Lead the strategy, roadmap and future direction of one of MSD's most critical enterprise platforms
• Drive innovation, platform modernisation and investment across the Microsoft 365 & its AI ecosystem
• Empower high-performing technical teams to deliver secure, reliable and business-focused outcomes
• Influence technology strategy and collaborate with senior stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes for thousands of New Zealanders

Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.

Our Technology group provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.

We're driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. The group is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.

About the role - Mō te tūnga

As Platform Manager - Microsoft 365, you will be accountable for the strategic direction, operational performance and ongoing evolution of MSD's Microsoft 365 platform ecosystem.

This is a highly visible leadership role that combines technology strategy, modern platform delivery, stakeholder engagement and people leadership. You will work across the Technology Group and wider business to simplify our technology landscapes, mature platform capabilities and create an environment where innovation, engineering excellence and continuous improvement can thrive.

This is a fixed-term or secondment opportunity ending 24 December 2027.

Key responsibilities include:

• Refine and deliver the Microsoft 365 platform strategy, vision, roadmap and investment priorities ensuring alignment with Technology, Transformation and wider government digital strategies
• Drive secure adoption of modern M365 capabilities, automation and AI (Copilot)
• Lead end-to-end delivery of platform initiatives ensuring business value is realised and commitments are achieved
• Oversee platform operations, security, resilience and ongoing enhancement of Microsoft 365 services
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior business stakeholders, technology leaders, vendors and partners
• Lead, coach and develop platform leaders and multidisciplinary delivery teams to foster a high-performing culture
• Manage platform budgets, investment planning, governance activities and technology risk management

We're committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

• Extensive experience leading large-scale technology platforms within government or complex enterprise environments
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 suite, modern workplace services and cloud platforms
• Proven success developing platform strategies, roadmaps and business cases that deliver measurable outcomes
• Demonstrated experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and creating high-performing delivery environments
• Strong understanding of Agile, DevSecOps and modern technology delivery practices
• Experience managing platform operations, service performance, budgets and investment portfolios
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, with a passion for developing people and growing capability
• Experience managing strategic vendor and partner relationships to deliver value and performance

A copy of the position description can be found here. Platform Manager M365 position description.

Salary - Utu-ā-tau: $163,784 - $203,820

We expect to appoint this position up to $181,982 however a salary offer will be based on the preferred candidate's skills and experience and our team relativities.

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.