Site Manager - Masterton

New Zealand Government; Masterton District; On-site; NZD 144,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a committed, proactive leader to manage our Masterton site, delivering high-quality child protection services to tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. You will model mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whānaungātanga while guiding a large team and collaborating with iwi/Māori and multi-agency partners.

You will report to the Regional Commissioner and drive critical planning to implement strategic outcomes, ensuring strong financial Management and risk oversight

Qualifications

• Experience leading a large multi-disciplinary team in social services.
• Strong knowledge of indigenous frameworks and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
• Ability to engage with iwi/Māori partners and collaborate across agencies.
• Proven capability in strategic planning, financial management and risk.

Responsibilities

• Provide and model mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whānaungātanga in leadership.
• Lead the delivery of high-quality, child protection services for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Manage financial, HR and health and safety responsibilities in a complex environment.
• Engage and manage stakeholder relationships with a partnered-centred approach.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Job description

Role overview

Seeking a committed, proactive, driven, and experienced leader to manage our Masterton site.

Focus on providing strong leadership and managing the delivery of high quality services. Support and facilitate critical planning to implement, and deliver our strategic outcomes.

About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

About the role

As an integral member of the wider leadership team, your role will focus on providing strong leadership and managing the delivery of high quality, child protection services to tamariki, young people and their whānau. Key to this role will be how you model and apply the principles of mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whānaungātanga.

This role reports to the Regional Commissioner and is a key 'connector' of our business. Supporting and facilitating critical planning to implement and deliver on our strategic outcomes and drive the delivery of change.

You will have the ability to demonstrate and champion the importance of partner-centred approaches, which have collaboration with partners (particularly iwi / Māori partners) at the centre. Whilst our starting point for practice is Te Ao Māori, you will be able to recognise and promote the inclusiveness and benefit of these partner‑centred approaches for all tamariki and whānau.

You will have astute business acumen allowing you to effectively manage financial, HR and health and safety responsibilities in a complex and changing work environment.

What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Knowledge of indigenous models of practice and service delivery with a commitment to delivering Te Toka Tumoana and Te Kauri and Va'aifetu, (our Maori and Pacific cultural frameworks)
• In depth understanding and structural analysis about the position of Māori and Pasifika today in Aotearoa and issues of equity and inequality for Indigenous people impacting on the tamariki we work with
• A good understanding and knowledge of Te Reo Me Ona Tikanga and uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi)
• You will bring innovative thinking, relationship management skills, with a strong ability to lead in your space.
• Commitment to getting things right for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Experience in successfully leading and managing a large team (approx. 40 staff), ideally within a social services context.
• Proven ability to engage and manage stakeholder relationships and a commitment to a partnered‑centred approach.
• Be a collaborative, strengths-based leader with the ability to collaborate within a multi-agency approach.
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.
• Be strong in business planning, financial management, resource allocation and performance monitoring processes.

What's in it for you

• Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $144,272 and $174,000 dependant on experience.
• We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing.
• We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow.
• We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Applications for this role close on 24th September 2026.