Director - Workforce Design and Partnering, Wellington

Shape the future of MSD’s workforce through transformation

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is delivering one of New Zealand’s most significant transformation programmes. At the heart of this change are our people. We’re seeking a strategic, people-centred leader to help build a future-ready workforce and drive organisational change.

This senior role brings together workforce strategy, organisational design, and business partnering. You’ll join a high-performing, values-driven People Group full of talented professionals who care deeply about making a difference for New Zealanders.

About the role Mō te tūnga:

As Director – Workforce Design and Partnering, you will:

Lead the development and implementation of practical, forward-looking workforce strategies and planning frameworks that support MSD’s transformation and future needs.

Drive organisational design work, ensuring MSD remains flexible, efficient, and fit for the future.

Embed and champion a strategic business partnering model, supporting HR Business Partners to deliver trusted advice and practical support to senior leaders nationwide.

Use workforce data and analytics to provide actionable insights, inform decision-making, and influence change.

Build strong, strategic relationships across MSD fostering collaboration and a shared vision.

Lead a high-performing team, creating a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

What you bring Ōu pūmanawatanga:

Senior leadership experience in large, complex organisations.

Proven expertise in workforce strategy, planning, organisational design, and business partnering.

Strong analytical, strategic, and systems thinking skills.

Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.

Collaborative reationship builder with highly effective communication skills.

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding Te Ao Māori perspectives in people practices.

Experience building high-performing teams and fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace.

Why MSD?

Be part of a people-centred organisation with a clear and meaningful purpose: Manaaki tangata, Manaaki whānau – helping New Zealanders to be safe, strong, and independent.

Work alongside talented colleagues in a supportive, innovative People Group.

Play a key role in shaping MSD’s future and making a real difference for communities across Aotearoa.

Position Description He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

A copy of the position description can be found here. Director Workforce Design and Partnering, position description

Salary Utu-ā-tau: $198,140.00 - $262,278.00

Applications close Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday 30 October 2025

About us Mō mātou

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.

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.

How to apply Me pēhea te tuku tono

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

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

Joining us Ko te hono mai

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. You can find out more about our values here.

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