General Manager Engagement, Data and Innovation
- Department of Internal Affairs
- Wellington, New Zealand
- NZD 204,651 – NZD 254,676
Senior Public Sector Leadership secondment opportunity to 30 June 2027
About Us | Mō mātou
Within the Regulatory and Identity Services (RIS) Taituarā branch, the Engagement, Data and Innovation (EDI) group develops new products, services and operational policy to advance RIS Branch priorities. Our Data & Insights teams utilise our data and analytics expertise to inform operational and policy decisions and risk-based regulation, while owning our key regulatory systems.
The role | Te tūnga
We're looking for an exceptional senior leader to lead the enabling functions that sit at the heart of our Identity and Regulatory services through to July 2027.
This is not a project management role. Instead, you'll lead the critical services that enable the successful delivery of complex, multi-product and multi-system initiatives, while ensuring our business-as-usual operations continue to perform and evolve.
You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment where competing priorities are the norm, working alongside General Managers and senior leaders to align effort, set direction, and deliver outcomes that matter.
What you bring | Nōu te rourou
You'll be an experienced public sector Tier 3 leader with a track record of leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams and creating the conditions for successful delivery across complex organisations.
You'll have experience in:
- Leading diverse enabling functions, including service design, data and insights, operational policy, and continuous improvement.
- Supporting the delivery of large-scale change programmes while maintaining a strong focus on operational performance.
- Driving initiatives that improve productivity, efficiency, and service outcomes across business-as-usual operations.
- Designing and implementing target operating models that enable organisations to deliver sustainably into the future.
- Working across organisational boundaries to influence priorities, build alignment, and achieve shared outcomes.
- Navigating complexity and balancing strategic goals with operational realities.
- Must currently hold Top Secret security clearance
- Must be a New Zealand Citizen
What sets you apart
You're a strategic thinker with strong systems awareness and a deep understanding of how enabling services contribute to organisational success. You can see the bigger picture, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, and bring people together to solve complex challenges.
Most importantly, you're passionate about creating the foundations that allow teams, programmes, and services to deliver their best work.
If you're motivated by complexity, collaboration, and the opportunity to shape the future of public service delivery, we'd love to hear from you.
The appointing range for this role $204,651 - $254,676.
To access a full job description please click here.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
We would advise you to discuss this opportunity with your manager in the first instance. The start date will be as soon as practicable. If you are interested in being considered for this secondment, please provide the following:
- A brief cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation
- A current CV
- Acknowledge that you will be required to gain your Manager’s endorsement for this secondment
We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.
Applications for this role close Tuesday 6th October 2026 Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.
Please contact Jo Attewell at jo.attewell.govt.nz if you have any questions.
Skills
- Public Sector Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Data and Analytics Strategy
- Service Design
- Operational Policy
- Stakeholder Management
- Change Management






