About the role
- Work on the system, not in the system
- Influence senior leaders and shape future ways of working
- Wellington or Christchurch based
Mō te tūnga | About the role
In this strategic role, you will help shape the future of People Services by driving system-wide improvements, influencing change, and ensuring our people practices support organisational priorities and long-term success.
Working closely with the Director People Services and senior leaders, you will provide expert HR support, lead strategic initiatives, while using data and insights to improve how we work. You will partner with a wide range of stakeholders, including People & Capability leaders, operational leaders, Ministerial Services, Union partners, governance groups, and external agencies, to align priorities, navigate complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes. This is a role where you will be working on the system not in the system.
For someone motivated by impact, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at a system level on some of the organisation's most complex people and business challenges. You will have the autonomy to shape solutions, influence senior leaders, and drive improvements that increase organisational effectiveness. This is a role where your ideas can translate into meaningful change, and where you can clearly see the outcomes and value of your contribution.
Mōu | About you
You thrive on solving complex challenges and are energised by opportunities to create meaningful change. Comfortable working with ambiguity, you use sound judgement, curiosity, and initiative to navigate issues and identify opportunities for improvement. You are not afraid to challenge existing approaches when a better outcome is possible, and you bring others with you through strong relationships and credible influence.
You enjoy a fast-paced environment, maintain a positive outlook and sense of humour, and remain focused on delivering results. Most importantly, you are motivated by impact and take pride in seeing your work translate into real and lasting organisational improvement.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
To be successful in this role you will bring:
- Significant senior-level HR advisory experience, providing strategic and pragmatic people advice in complex organisational environments.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise briefings, papers, and recommendations for decision-makers.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced and complex organisational environment.
- Exceptional influencing and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively across all levels of an organisation.
- Sound analytical and decision-making capability, using data, insights, and judgement to identify solutions and drive organisational improvement.
- Confidence operating in governance and leadership settings, presenting advice, navigating complexity, and contributing to strategic outcomes.
While we recognise that AI tools can support the application process, we encourage you to ensure your CV and cover letter reflect your own experience, skills, and authentic voice. We're interested in getting to know the real you.
Ngā painga | The benefits
The midpoint of the salary range is $146,562 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $124,578 - $175,875 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.
Mō mātou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono ināianei | Apply Now
To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.
Applications close on: Sunday 23****rd August 2026
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact maria.papp@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
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