Workforce Planner at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Multiple Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Be part of a newly established central workforce planning function
• Influence workforce outcomes across critical services that support young people
• Auckland | Wellington Permanent & Fixed-Term Opportunities Available

Join a newly established Workforce Planning Hub and play a critical role in providing national workforce planning capability, improving workforce visibility, establishing consistent rostering practice and giving our frontline leaders in our Youth Justice and Care & Protection residences better information for workforce decisions. This is an opportunity for experienced workforce planning professionals who thrive in complex, fast-paced operational environments and enjoy balancing strategic forecasting with real-time workforce coordination.

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

Based in Auckland or Wellington, you'll support multiple residential sites across New Zealand, each employing around 250 staff. Working as part of a newly established central workforce planning hub, you'll play a key role in delivering efficient, sustainable workforce solutions that support safe and effective service delivery.

This role operates in a high-risk service delivery context, directly influencing safety, compliance and care outcomes. You'll lead workforce forecasting, rostering optimisation, reporting, and workforce analytics across complex 24/7 residential and youth justice environments. Partnering closely with operational leaders, you'll proactively identify workforce needs, navigate staffing challenges and provide data-driven insights that support informed decision-making.

This is an opportunity to combine workforce planning expertise, forecasting capability, stakeholder engagement and analytical thinking to influence operational outcomes and drive workforce excellence across multiple locations.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

You will be a highly developed stakeholder engagement and relationship management specialist with excellent communication skills and a background with change management.

Key requirements of the role include: 

• Proven experience in workforce planning capability, resource planning, rostering, and workforce reporting
• Experience supporting large operational workforces of 250+ employees in a similar 24/7 custodial care environment
• Strong planning, forecasting and scheduling capability
• Advanced spreadsheet and reporting skills, particularly Excel
• Experience using workforce management or rostering systems
• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to turn workforce data into actionable insights
• The ability to work effectively in complex, high-demand operational environments
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117,782 dependent on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of 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 Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and what you bring.

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

Applications for this role close at midnight on Thursday 24th 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.