Commissioning Lead

OverviewExciting, dynamic leadership opportunity in the disability support services commissioning team focussed on driving resultsA pivotal role where you\'ll lead innovative commissioning strategies that contribute to ensuring disabled people across Aotearoa experience greater consistency and certainty in supports and servicesFocus on service excellence and value for moneyIf you\'re passionate about impact, systems change and delivering results that matter — we want you on our team.About our team | Mo te timaThe Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whanau.We're building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable.

With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we're committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.It's an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.We're looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.About the role | Mo te tungaAs Commissioning Lead, you'll develop 3–5+ year commissioning strategies that align with DSS's strategic direction and Commissioning Framework.You\'ll use evidence, insights, and data to inform commissioning activities, ensuring approaches and models of support deliver value for money and service excellence.You\'ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, provide senior technical advice, and build effective relationships to drive innovation and continuous improvement.This role is key to achieving improved outcomes for disabled people as a commissioner, funder, and steward.Key responsibilities include : Lead the development of long-term commissioning strategies and category-specific programme logicsCollaborate with Evidence, Performance & Outcomes and Quality Assurance teams to analyse population needs, use evidence and insights to inform category design and planningProvide senior technical expertise and advice on investment decisionsIdentify and deliver efficiency gains and value-add opportunities across categoriesPrepare and present category performance and trend reports, recommendations, and risk assessments to Senior Management and internal governance groupsWork with procurement / commercial and contract management teams to drive results across categoriesLead performance management of commissioning portfolios, including budgets, spend analysis, and impact evaluationWe value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whanau, or the disability community.Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.This role is based in Wellington.What you bring | Ou pumanawatanga : Deep understanding of commissioning for outcomesProven experience in developing and implementing commissioning plansProven experience in developing programme logics and identifying relevant measures for services that align with a Commissioning Framework and outcomesExtensive relationship management experience in complex environmentsProven experience providing technical leadership in category managementSkills in identifying and delivering efficiency gains and value-add opportunitiesExperience ensuring quality performance across categories, with robust assurance processes and effective monitoring of budgets, expenditure, KPIs, and impact evaluationExperience preparing and presenting regular category performance reports, including risk assessments and recommendations to senior management and governance groupsProven relationship and engagement skills across sectorsPosition Description | He Whakaahuatanga TungaA copy of the position description can be found here.

Commissioming Lead position description.Salary | Utu-a-tau : $142,874.00 - $177,798.00Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te : Thursday 9 October 2025.About us | Mo matouThe Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation.

We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whanau and communities.Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve.

We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.How to apply | Me pehea te tuku tonoTo apply, click the \'Apply Now\' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.Note : Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.All applications must be made online.

If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

• MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.

This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.Joining us | Ko te hono maiJoining MSD means being part of a whanau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment.

We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity.If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

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