Remuneration Lead

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Permanent role

Job summary

New Zealand Government, Ministry of Education, Wellington, invites you to apply for the Remuneration Lead role. You will design, develop and implement remuneration and reward strategies, ensuring fair, market-informed and transparent practices across the Ministry.

You will lead job evaluation, analytics and benchmarking, provide expert advice to senior leaders, support bargaining planning, and coach others. A proven public‑sector background and experience with Korn Ferry Hay are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in remuneration, reward strategy and workforce analytics.
• Proven expertise in remuneration benchmarking, job evaluation and market analysis.
• Experience designing and implementing remuneration frameworks and systems.
• Strong knowledge of performance management and reward practices.
• Experience with Korn Ferry Hay methodologies.
• Practical understanding of public sector industrial relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of remuneration strategies and policies.
• Provide expert remuneration advice to senior leaders and HR colleagues.
• Design and manage remuneration systems and frameworks that support organisational goals.
• Lead robust job evaluation processes and maintain accurate position data.
• Monitor market trends, benchmarking and emerging practices.
• Support remuneration review and performance management processes.
• Develop remuneration analytics and reporting to inform decisions.
• Contribute to bargaining strategies through data analysis and market intelligence.
• Mentor and coach others to build capability in remuneration.

Skills

Remuneration strategy

Job evaluation

Market analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector experience

Communication

Coaching

Korn Ferry Hay

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

Korn Ferry Hay

HR analytics platforms

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandPermanent, full-time hours, Wellington basedHelp shape how we attract, reward and retain talent across AotearoaHelp shape the future of EducationWe work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomesOur 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 | Mo tenei turangaAs the Remuneration Lead, you will lead the design, development, maintenance and implementation of the Ministry's remuneration and reward strategy, frameworks and policies. You will work closely with senior leaders and HR colleagues to ensure remuneration practices are fair, transparent, market-informed and aligned with organisational objectives.You will bring expert knowledge and thought leadership across remuneration, rewards, job evaluation, performance management and strategic position management, helping the Ministry make evidence-based decisions that support our people and our future workforce.On a day-to-day basis you can expect to:Lead the development and continuous improvement of remuneration and reward strategies, frameworks and policiesProvide expert remuneration, reward and job evaluation advice to business leaders and HR colleaguesDesign, implement and manage remuneration systems and frameworks that support organisational goalsDeliver robust job evaluation processes, including maintaining accurate and reliable position dataMonitor remuneration market trends, benchmarking and emerging reward practicesPartner with senior leaders to provide strategic insights and recommendations on remuneration mattersSupport remuneration review and performance management processes, ensuring effective alignment between systemsDevelop remuneration analytics and reporting that inform organisational decision-makingContribute to bargaining strategies and collective negotiation planning through data analysis, market intelligence, and problem solving approachesIdentify risks, recommend solutions and ensure equitable and consistent remuneration practices across the MinistryBuild capability in others through coaching, mentoring and sharing specialist knowledgeThis is an exciting opportunity for an experienced remuneration professional to lead the development of remuneration and reward frameworks, provide expert advice to senior leaders, and use data-driven insights to influence strategic workforce decisions across the Ministry.Salary range: $120,171 - $145.560 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.About you | Mohou akeAs our Remuneration Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring our remuneration and reward strategies support organisational performance, workforce sustainability, and a high-performing culture.You are a strategic thinker who enjoys working with complexity and using evidence to guide decision-making. You balance big-picture thinking with attention to detail and are confident engaging with senior leaders on sensitive and complex remuneration matters.You bring credibility, curiosity and sound judgement, along with a commitment to creating fair, sustainable and future-focused remuneration practices.To be successful in this role, you'll have:Significant experience in remuneration, reward strategy and workforce analyticsProven expertise in remuneration benchmarking, job evaluation and market analysisExperience designing and implementing remuneration and reward frameworks and systemsStrong knowledge of performance management and reward practicesExperience using recognised job evaluation methodologies, preferably Korn Ferry HayA practical understanding of employment relations and industrial relations within the public sectorExperience working in large, complex organisations and influencing a range of stakeholdersStrong analytical capability, with the ability to translate data into meaningful business insightsExcellent verbal and written communication skills, including preparing reports and recommendations for senior leadersDemonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and achieve outcomes through collaboration and influenceA track record of coaching, mentoring and developing capability in othersThe ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.About our group and team | Matau ropu akeAt Te Tahuhu o te Matauranga, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports better outcomes for learners across New Zealand.We operate in a collaborative and values-driven environment where your expertise will directly influence organisational capability, culture and performance.Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?If this opportunity interests you, please submit your Resume and Cover Letter by using the `Apply Now' button. In your Cover Letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.For further information, please contact Bronwyn Kingdom, Acting Chief People Officer at: [e-mail] close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 05 November 2026We 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.