Service Manager

New Zealand Government; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 99,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice in New Zealand is seeking a Service Manager to lead teams across the Manukau, Papakura and Pukekohe District Courts. You will coach staff, drive performance and coordinate court administration services in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely access to justice for communities.

Reporting to the Manager Justice Services, you will implement process improvements, build strong stakeholder relationships and model our values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a complex, customer‑focused environment.
• Strong coaching, communication and stakeholder relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated experience leading change and implementing process improvements.
• Sound judgement, strong problem‑solving abilities and effective operational decision‑making skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and a high level of attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop high‑performing teams.
• Drive operational performance, quality and consistency across service delivery.
• Lead change initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Support staff engagement, wellbeing and professional development.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and justice sector partners.
• Manage competing priorities and operational demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Role model the Ministry's values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Change management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Service Manager, South Auckland Criminal

• 1 x Full-time, Permanent position
• 1 x Full-time, Fixed-term/Secondment position until 30 June 2027

Lead people. Drive improvement. Support access to justice.

The Opportunity

At the Ministry of Justice, we deliver people‑centred services that provide access to justice for all New Zealanders. Our people are collaborative, supportive, and committed to service excellence.

Reporting to the Manager Justice Services and working alongside six Service Managers, you will lead teams that deliver court administration services across the Manukau, Papakura and Pukekohe District Courts. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring high‑quality service delivery, building team capability, driving continuous improvement and supporting the effective operation of the District Court. Through this work, you will contribute to strengthening people's trust in the law.

As a Service Manager, you will:

• Lead, coach and develop high‑performing teams.
• Drive operational performance, quality and consistency across service delivery.
• Lead change initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Support staff engagement, wellbeing and professional development.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and justice sector partners.
• Manage competing priorities and operational demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Role model the Ministry's values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
• Support timely access to justice for the communities we serve.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven leadership experience in a complex, customer‑focused environment.
• Strong coaching, communication and stakeholder relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated experience leading change and implementing process improvements.
• Sound judgement, strong problem‑solving abilities and effective operational decision‑making skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• The ability to analyse information and use data to inform decision‑making.
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• A strong commitment to delivering exceptional service and improving outcomes for our communities.

About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice, we are committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

You will be joining our team at a challenging and genuinely exciting time. We would offer the successful person the opportunity to make a difference, the chance to be part of a vibrant and dynamic team, learn new and interesting things, and gain experience in a wide range of areas.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $99,208 and $135,539 pro rata based on skills and experience.

Applications close on 15 September 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date. If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail].