Director, Strategic Planning and Assurance at NZ Ministry of Justice, Wellington City

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Director, Strategic Planning and Assurance – Permanent, Full Time

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini 
Success is not the work of one, but the work of many. 

Te Haeata / The Opportunity 

This is a key leadership role in the Policy Group, responsible for helping us think ahead, focus on the right priorities, and make well-informed decisions.

You'll lead the Strategic Planning and Assurance Unit, bringing together planning, performance insights, stewardship, and assurance to provide a clear view of how the Group is performing today and what it needs to prepare for tomorrow. You will help senior leaders navigate competing priorities, emerging risks, resourcing challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

A significant part of the role is leading the Ministry's response to Waitangi Tribunal inquiries. You will ensure the Ministry meets its obligations with integrity and care, while supporting respectful engagement on matters relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori-Crown relationships.

This is a role for someone who enjoys working across complex issues, can see the bigger picture, and is able to turn strategy into practical action.

Ō pūkenga / Skills and Experience 

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading planning, strategy, assurance, performance, stewardship, or similar functions.
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori-Crown relationships, and confidence working within Te Ao Māori.
• Experience providing advice to senior leaders and Ministers' offices on complex issues.
• The ability to work across organisational boundaries and bring people together around shared goals.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves when needed
• An understanding of public sector planning, reporting, budgeting and decision-making processes.

This role is also responsible for the day-to-day business as usual requirements and activities of a small team. You will support the team, and coach those around you to help deliver timely, high-quality work.

Mō mātou / About us 

At Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice, we are committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Joining the Ministry means becoming part of an organisation that values diversity, inclusion, and mana enhancing ways of working. We welcome and support people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions. 

Utu ātau / Salary 

The remuneration band for this role is $177,308 to $228,440 and the appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.

Tono mai / Apply 

You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 16 October 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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