Relationship Manager

Tribe Recruitment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 119,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A community engagement organization is seeking a Relationship Manager to lead engagement with consumer representatives in Wellington. This role involves fostering meaningful partnerships to influence public decision-making, requiring strong relationship management skills and cultural competency. The position offers a salary of up to $140k based on experience, and applicants must be New Zealand citizens or residents.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading engagement with diverse and high-needs communities.
• Strong relationship management, empathy and influencing skills.
• Ability to navigate sensitive political issues.

Responsibilities

• Champion the consumer voice within a complex public sector environment.
• Deliver best-practice, culturally responsive engagement approaches.
• Act as a trusted advisor in building transparent relationships.

Skills

Relationship management

Empathy

Political awareness

Cultural competency

Resilience

Job description

This is a unique opportunity to step into a senior specialist position focused on strengthening relationships with consumer advocates and communities with high needs. The role is designed to move beyond transactional engagement and foster genuine, collaborative partnerships that build trust and deliver meaningful change.

About The Role

As Relationship Manager, you’ll lead engagement with a portfolio of consumer representatives and advocacy groups, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in organisational decision-making. This is senior, challenging, hands-on and highly impactful work – balancing the needs of passionate, articulate stakeholders and high health need communities.

You Will

• Champion the consumer voice within a complex public sector environment.
• Deliver best-practice, culturally responsive engagement approaches.
• Work closely with senior leaders to identify risks and opportunities in consumer engagement.
• Act as a trusted advisor, ensuring relationships are built on transparency, empathy and trust.

About You

We are looking for someone with the credibility and presence to operate at senior levels, combined with the humility and empathy to listen deeply and build enduring relationships. You’ll need:

• Proven experience leading engagement with diverse and high-needs communities.
• Strong relationship management, empathy and influencing skills.
• Political awareness and the ability to navigate sensitive issues with care.
• Cultural competency and commitment to genuine partnership approaches
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to deliver in a challenging, fast-paced environment.

Lived experience in advocacy, equity or community-focused roles would be an advantage.

Why Apply?

This is not a role for the faint-hearted – it requires patience, empathy, and the ability to operate in a highly emotive space. But for the right person, it offers the chance to shape how consumer voices influence public decision-making, working alongside a new leadership team with a strong commitment to transparency and engagement.

This role is a permanent, Wellington-based position. Salary is up to $140k, depending on skills and experience.

To apply for this vacancy you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.