Workforce Planning Lead

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Auckland; On-site; NZD 126,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Auckland is seeking a Workforce Planning Lead to guide a team of planners and the newly established Workforce Planning Hub, while remaining hands-on in delivering planning solutions for youth justice and residential care services.

You will drive a national rostering approach, analyse 24/7 staffing data, forecast demand and advise senior leaders. A strong leadership track record and knowledge of public sector processes are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading workforce planning in a large, 24/7 operating environment.
• Ability to develop and implement workforce management systems and frameworks.
• Advanced analytical capability to transform complex data into insights and recommendations.
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and influencing change.
• Knowledge of government or public sector environments is advantageous (tikanga Māori awareness is valued).

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing the Workforce Planning Hub team
• Designing, implementing and embedding a national workforce rostering approach
• Providing expert advice on workforce planning, scheduling and forecasting
• Analysing workforce trends, risks and operational data to support strategic decision making
• Building strong relationships with operational leaders and key stakeholders nationally
• Driving continuous improvement in workforce planning systems, processes and reporting
• Supporting safe staffing, workforce sustainability and operational excellence across residences

Skills

Workforce planning

Team leadership

Forecasting

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience

Job description

Join our Youth Justice Services and Residential Care Operational Support team in this unique opportunity to shape the future of frontline workforce planning Auckland based – Ellerslie Regional Office Permanent, full-time role with flexible working arrangementsMō te tūnga

About the role

As the Workforce Planning Lead, you will lead a team of workforce planners and the newly created Workforce Planning Hub while remaining hands‑on in the delivery of workforce planning solutions. You'll play a critical role in ensuring our network of residences are safely and sustainably staffed, helping provide stability, continuity and high‑quality care for tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa. Supporting a complex 24/7 operating environment, you'll use workforce data, forecasting, rostering expertise and stakeholder engagement to support evidence‑based decision making and improve workforce visibility across the network. You'll identify trends, workforce pressures and opportunities for improvement while developing workforce strategies that support both operational requirements and long‑term organisational objectives.

• Leading and developing the Workforce Planning Hub team
• Designing, implementing and embedding a national workforce rostering approach
• Providing expert advice on workforce planning, scheduling and forecasting
• Analysing workforce trends, risks and operational data to support strategic decision making
• Building strong relationships with operational leaders and key stakeholders nationally
• Driving continuous improvement in workforce planning systems, processes and reporting
• Supporting safe staffing, workforce sustainability and operational excellence across residences

Our residences are more than places of care, they are places where tamariki and rangatahi are supported to heal, grow and build positive futures. Across our Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences, dedicated kaimahi work around the clock to create safe, stable and supportive environments. This role contributes directly to those outcomes by helping ensure our residences are sustainably staffed with the skilled people needed to provide consistent care and support.

What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you'll bring a combination of strategic thinking, workforce planning expertise and people leadership experience.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience leading workforce planning, scheduling or rostering functions within a large, complex 24/7 operational environment
• Strong experience developing and implementing workforce management systems and workforce planning frameworks
• Advanced analytical capability with the ability to transform complex data into meaningful insights and recommendations
• Demonstrated success leading high‑performing teams and influencing change
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience developing workforce forecasts and recommendations that balance demand, capability, productivity and cost
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
• Knowledge of government or public sector environments is advantageous
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience
• The ability to travel within New Zealand as required
• The valid right to work in New Zealand
• Understanding and appreciation of cross‑cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture

What’s in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step‑based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure.

Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 dependent on experience.

We also 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.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Applications for this role close just before midnight on Monday 26 October 2026

We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.