Future Design Lead, Disability Support Services, Wellington

About us

The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

Future Design Lead, Disability Support Services, Wellington

• Fixed term or secondment opportunity to 30 June 2026

• Important mahi supporting the Disability Support Services Taskforce

• Work in an organisation driving better outcomes for all disabled people

Join us at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) as we work to transform how disability support services are delivered across New Zealand.

Mō te tīma / About our team

The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) is being established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services.

The DSS Taskforce has been established to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review into DSS to:

• provide disabled people with certain and consistent access to DSS, no matter what their circumstances or where they live in New Zealand

• prioritise funding for disabled people with the highest needs, and those who would benefit most from early intervention support,

• ensure that Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles are put into practice

• ensure that the long-term sustainability of DSS is strengthened to provide disabled people and carers with services that are both fair and affordable.

Mō te tūnga / About the role

We’re looking for an experienced, strategic, and people-focused leader to head our Future Design workstream within the DSS Review Programme.

As the Future Design Lead, you will play a key role in designing and delivering future-focused improvements that will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and whānau.

You will provide expert leadership and advice and drive the successful delivery of this significant programme of change.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and expert advice to shape the direction of the Future Design workstream, ensuring alignment with MSD’s strategic goals and the DSS Review Programme objectives.

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture that promotes innovation, growth, and a strong sense of purpose.

• Oversee programme delivery, including the development and implementation of DSS policy, service delivery and management initiatives.

• Lead programme planning, including the development and maintenance of integrated delivery plans, programme reporting, and effective risk and dependency management.

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing well-informed insights and recommendations that guide decision-making and enable effective change.

• Build and maintain strong, effective relationships across MSD and with external stakeholders, using excellent communication, influence, and change leadership skills to drive success.

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

Ōu pūmanawatanga What you bring

• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated experience delivering complex, large-scale programmes — preferably within the disability or social sectors.

• Strong knowledge of programme and portfolio management methodologies.

• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to engage and inspire people at all levels.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to distil complex information into clear, actionable insights.

• Understanding of equity issues, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the diverse needs of the disability community.

• Political acumen and the confidence to provide honest, unbiased advice to senior leaders.

Position Description

Salary range: $161,811 to $214,131

How to apply

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Closing date: 11 May 2025

Joining us

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.