Manager Disability and Social Sector Policy

• Permanent | full time | Wellington based
• Influence cross-government action on complex, high-profile social issues
• Midpoint of $167,029 dependent on experience

What you’ll do - Ko tōu ake mahi

As Manager, Disability and Social Sector Policy, you will lead a capable team at the centre of some of the most complex and important policy issues facing the health system. Spanning disability, health and wider social policy, the role requires strategic leadership to bring clarity to complexity, shape a focused and impactful work programme, and influence cross-government action. Working closely with partners across the public sector, you will help turn long-term ambitions into practical, deliverable outcomes that improve the health and wellbeing of disabled people, whānau and communities.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for disability and social sector policy, influencing system-wide thinking and long-term policy direction.
• Regularly brief Ministers and senior leaders working across government portfolios, and contribute through governance forums, to drive whole-of-Government change in the social sector.
• Lead the development of advice on complex and high-profile issues affecting disabled people and the wider social sector.
• Build productive partnerships across government, the disability community and social sector organisations to support better policy outcomes.
• Translate Government priorities into a clear and deliverable policy work programme.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team, creating an environment where people can do their best work.
• Champion evidence-informed policy making, ensuring advice is robust, practical and focused on real-world impact.
• Identify emerging risks, opportunities and trends, and proactively position the organisation to respond.
• Contribute as a member of the policy leadership team, helping shape organisational strategy, culture and performance.

What you’ll bring - Ko ngā pūkenga ōu

• You are comfortable stepping into complex and uncertain policy environments and bringing clarity, structure and direction.
• You can identify the few things that matter most, focus effort where it will have the greatest impact, and help others do the same.
• You have experience shaping long-term strategic agendas and turning them into practical, deliverable programmes of work.
• You are skilled at leading across organisational boundaries and influencing without direct authority.
• You develop teams that think critically, provide clear advice, and remain focused on outcomes rather than process.
• You combine strategic vision with delivery discipline, ensuring big ideas are translated into tangible progress over time.
• You are an experienced people leader who creates an environment where staff are supported, challenged and able to do their best work.

About the Ministry

As the Government's lead advisor on health, we help shape the future of New Zealand's health system through policy, regulation and monitoring. Join a team that makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders while working in a supportive, inclusive environment that values wellbeing, growth and development.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to an accessible and respectful recruitment process.

How to apply - Me pēhea te tono mai

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 18 November 2026.

Click here to view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website to apply. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at [email hidden].