Platform Capability Lead

• Lead the strategic direction and delivery of a critical technology platform and capability
• Drive innovation through transformation and modern DevSecOps and platform engineering practices
• Partner across business and technology teams to deliver outcomes within a significant transformation environment
• Shape platform investment to simplify and modernise systems, and improve outcomes for New Zealanders

Join a high-impact leadership role within IST where you will own the end-to-end delivery, strategy, and performance of a key platform.

About our team | Mō te tīma

Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.

Our Technology group provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.

We’re driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. The group is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

As Platform Capability Lead, you'll be accountable for key elements of the strategic direction, delivery, and ongoing evolution of MSD's Client Management capability, with a strong focus on Salesforce and associated technologies. Working within a complex transformation landscape, you'll quickly build an understanding of programme priorities, business outcomes, and technology dependencies to ensure successful delivery of platform initiatives.

You will bring together delivery teams, business stakeholders, vendors, and transformation partners to deliver capability that is customer-centred, scalable, and aligned with MSD's strategic objectives.

You'll work with teams and delivery partners to deliver business value, maintain critical services, and enhance the client management services with an emphasis on supporting our Salesforce platform. Success in this role will require a strong delivery mindset, the ability to navigate large-scale transformation challenges, and exceptional stakeholder engagement skills across technology and business domains.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of platform initiatives, ensuring reliable and secure services
• Develop and evolve platform strategy, capability roadmaps, and investment priorities aligned with business and transformation objectives
• Champion strong delivery and operational practices, proactively manage risks and dependencies, and enable successful delivery within complex programme environments
• Ensure platform solutions are secure, compliant, scalable, and aligned with enterprise architecture and Salesforce best practices
• Build and maintain strong relationships across Technology, business stakeholders, and vendors
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, ensuring effective workforce planning, capability development, and delivery performance

We’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.

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

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

• Extensive experience delivering technology platforms in complex, integrated environments
• Strong understanding of agile and DevSecOps practices, with a pragmatic delivery approach
• Experience with the Salesforce ecosystems and platform capabilities, knowledge and awareness of related SaaS-based platforms, and integration with enterprise systems
• Proven ability to develop capability strategies, roadmaps, and investment recommendations that balance business outcomes, technology priorities, and delivery constraints
• Demonstrated success leading delivery across large, complex programmes, including planning, prioritisation, dependency management, and operational readiness
• Demonstrated people leadership, with proven ability to manage teams to deliver planned outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across senior business, technology, and programme leadership teams
• Experience working with Salesforce delivery partners, vendors, and suppliers to achieve successful outcomes and maximise value
• Ability to balance strategic delivery with operational stability and continuous improvement
• Knowledge and experience with Salesforce is a requirement for the role; however, our platform capabilities in and of themselves are not technology -specific.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

A copy of the position description can be found here. Platform Capability Lead position description.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $138,125.00 - $171,889.00

A salary offer will be based on the preferred candidates skills and experience and our team relativities.

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te:

Tuesday 22 September 2026.

About us | Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 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 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.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment

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. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.

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

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.