Manager People Services at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Manager People Services

Lead a high-performing team. Drive service excellence. Shape the future of People Services.

• Lead the team that powers the people experience at Oranga Tamariki
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, and customer-focused HR services
• Fixed term or secondment opportunity until 30 June 2027
• Wellington based with flexible working arrangements

If you're an experienced people leader with a passion for delivering exceptional HR services, improving systems and processes, and developing high-performing teams, this is an outstanding opportunity to lead a function that sits at the heart of the employee experience.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This is a unique opportunity to lead the People Services function within our People and High Performance group.

Reporting to the Director Workforce Management, you will lead a team of approximately 13 people across People Services Coordination and Advisory functions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, timely and customer-focused HR services across the organisation.

As Manager People Services, you will be responsible for providing leadership and operational direction to a multi-functional team that delivers critical people services throughout the employee lifecycle. You will ensure our HR administration and advisory services are effective, compliant, customer-centred and continuously improving.

This role offers an exciting balance of leadership, operational management and strategic influence. You will:

• Lead and develop a high-performing People Services team.
• Drive service excellence across HR administration and foundational advisory services.
• Champion continuous improvement of systems, processes and service delivery.
• Use data and insights to inform decision making and improve outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, public sector requirements and organisational policies.
• Build strong relationships across the People and High Performance group and wider organisation.
• Contribute to workforce initiatives that enhance capability, culture and organisational performance.

This is a role for someone who enjoys leading through change, solving complex operational challenges and creating a positive experience for leaders and kaimahi alike.

Hybrid working arrangements available with Wellington as the primary location.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

You will be a collaborative and influential leader who combines strong operational capability with a genuine passion for people, service improvement and team development.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading a multifunctional HR operational, shared services, advisory or people services team.
• Proven success building, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of HR operations, employment relations, payroll and HR systems.
• Experience improving processes, systems and customer service delivery.
• Strong analytical capability with experience using data and reporting to inform decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• Sound knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and public sector environments.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A continuous improvement mindset and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• An understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori.

Most importantly, you'll be an authentic people leader who enjoys empowering others to succeed and creating an environment where teams can thrive.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that provides annual progression through tenure and experience.

Annual remuneration for this position starts between $147,010 and $162,887 dependent on experience.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives.
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that improves outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter.

Your cover letter is your opportunity to tell us about your leadership experience and what excites you about leading a critical people services function. We'd love to hear how you've improved service delivery, developed team capability, and delivered excellent outcomes for customers and stakeholders.

If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications for this role close at midnight on Sunday 20th September 2026

We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.