Service Manager

Public Defence Service - New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 99,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4.4 weeks holiday leave

Flexible work hours where possible

Online professional development portal

Access to inclusive networks

Job summary

Ministry of Justice in Auckland is seeking a Service Manager to join the leadership team of the Auckland District Court Family & Civil registry. You will guide a five-person unit, drive a culture of collaboration, and ensure high performance through coaching and training.

This role focuses on delivering timely access to justice and maintaining professional standards. You will report to the Manager of Justice Services, guiding team development while fostering a positive environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to set tone, expectations, and culture for a team.
• Experience in operational management in fast-paced, customer-focused environments.
• Solid track record in change management and implementing new processes.
• Proven leadership in coaching, motivating, and guiding staff to targets.
• Strong relationship-building with agencies and stakeholders.
• Solid analytical, tactical, and technical knowledge of Family and Civil matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performance team culture.
• Provide guidance, training and support for professional development.
• Drive data-led decisions and maintain accountability across the team.
• Coach staff to meet targets and understand impact on wider objectives.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to improve service delivery.

Skills

Data-driven leadership

Stakeholder relations

Public access to justice

Values alignment

Decision making

Change management

Communication

Staff coaching

Family & Civil matters knowledge

Team management

Job description

Job Description

Permanent, fulltime position available!

Te Haeata / The Opportunity

Come and join the leadership team at Auckland District Court Family & Civil registry.

In this role, you'll be one of five Service Managers reporting to the Manager of Justice Services. You'll work collaboratively with the team to enhance public trust in the Law of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We seek someone with substantial experience in team management, who can offer guidance, training, and support to ensure both professional development and efficient performance while fostering a positive team culture and environment.

Ō Pūkenga / Skills And Experience

• Proven ability in using data and relationships to drive a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, consistency, and accountability
• Skilled at building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Enthusiastic about providing access to timely justice for our communities
• Committed to values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence
• Ability to think on your feet and make quick, sound decisions
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment - Auckland District Court is not for the faint-hearted!
• Sustaining quality service delivery through periods of change and transition
• Provide quality leadership coaching and support to build and maintain a high-performance team culture.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need the following skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Ability to set the tone, expectations, and culture of the team, fostering an environment of trust, respect, and continuous learning.
• Experience in operational management within a fast-paced, dynamic, and customer-focused environment.
• A solid record in change management and implementing new business processes.
• Proven leadership skills in coaching, motivating, and guiding staff to meet targets, understand their impact on the overall objectives, and build a high-performing culture.
• Strong people skills for establishing effective working relationships and collaborating with various agencies and stakeholders.
• Solid analytical, tactical, and technical knowledge of Family and Civil matters, along with strategic abilities.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and political sensitivity.
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and planning skills

Mō Mātou / About Us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're 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.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi / What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

Utu ā-tau / 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 20 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] and include "MOJ XXX" (job number) in your subject line.

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