Manager National Risk at Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Manager, National Risk – 12-month Fixed-term Opportunity

National Security and Resilience | Wellington | Full-time

We're looking for an experienced and collaborative leader to join the National Security and Resilience Group as Manager, National Risk on a 12-month fixed-term basis.

This is an opportunity to lead a small, high-performing team responsible for identifying, analysing and setting priorities for central government efforts on National Risks, significant shocks and stressors that could affect New Zealand. Working at the centre of government, you'll help shape the strategic direction of the National Risk work programme and contribute to strengthening New Zealand's National Resilience System.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• lead a nationally significant programme of work that supports New Zealand's National Risk readiness
• work across government to strengthen risk management, preparedness and resilience
• lead and develop a high-performing team delivering strategic advice, analysis and stakeholder engagement
• contribute to whole-of-government planning, monitoring and continuous improvement.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Reporting to the Director, National Risk and Resilience, you'll lead the National Risk team and work closely with the Manager, National Resilience Policy to provide strategic leadership across the National Risk work programme.

The role is responsible for setting the strategic direction, coordination and continuous improvement of the National Risk and Resilience Framework and its implementation. You'll also lead monitoring and reporting on national risk management, oversee key whole-of-government planning and preparedness activities, and support system-wide decision-making through high-quality analysis, advice and stakeholder engagement.

He aha tāu e mahi ai | What you'll do

In this role you'll:

• provide strategic leadership across the National Risk work programme
• oversee the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based advice for senior leaders, governance boards and Ministers
• identify strategic risks, opportunities and interdependencies across the work programme
• build trusted relationships across government, iwi, industry, academia and community partners
• represent DPMC in cross-government forums and strengthen collaboration across the National Resilience System
• lead, coach and develop a small, high-performing team
• drive continuous improvement and innovation across the National Risk and Resilience Framework.

Ko wai koe | About you

You'll bring strong leadership capability, sound judgement and the ability to work effectively across complex systems and stakeholder environments.

Ideally you'll have:

• significant experience leading teams and delivering outcomes in a complex environment
• a strong understanding of risk management, resilience frameworks, national security and/or hazard risk systems
• experience delivering high-quality strategic advice, analysis and reporting for senior decision-makers and Ministers
• proven stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across agencies, sectors and communities
• demonstrated people leadership capability, including coaching, mentoring and building team capability
• excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts clearly to a range of audiences.

We're looking for someone who is:

• a strategic thinker
• a collaborative leader
• systems-oriented
• outcome-focused
• curious and innovative
• committed to integrity and professionalism.

Security requirements | Ngā Whakaritenga Haumarutanga

To be successful in this role you'll need to be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance.

You can check your eligibility here: Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements

Mō mātou | About DPMC

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet exists to advance an ambitious, resilient and well-governed New Zealand.

The National Security and Resilience Group provides strategic stewardship and leadership for New Zealand's National Resilience System by integrating intelligence, policy and risk management across National Risk and Resilience, National Assessments, National Security Policy and Coordination, and Strategic Crisis Management. Together, these functions help New Zealand anticipate, respond to and recover from national security, risk and resilience challenges.

How to apply

Please apply online through the DPMC Careers website.

As part of your application, please provide:

• your current CV
• a cover letter outlining:
• your motivation for applying
• the skills and experience you would bring to the role
• how your experience aligns with the key requirements of the position.

 Applications close: Friday, 9 October 2026

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the People and Culture team at peopleandculture@dpmc.govt.nz