Manager, Operational Policy

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Lead operational policy for Disability Support Services

Drive transformation and equity for disabled people and tangata whaikaha Maori

Join a values driven, inclusive team

Are you a strategic leader passionate about operational policy and making a difference for disabled people and their whanau?

Lead a team, drive impactful policy, and champion equity and accessibility.

The 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 tunga :

As Manager Operational Policy, you'll lead a team translating strategic policy into operational frameworks for Disability Support Services (DSS).

You'll ensure new and updated policies are implemented effectively, align with legislation, and are well understood by decision makers.

Reporting to the Director Design, you'll play a key role in transforming how supports are provided to disabled people and their whanau, working collaboratively across MSD and with external partners.

Key responsibilities include :

Develop and lead a team, fostering growth and delivering results

Translate strategic policy into operational frameworks and actionable plans

Oversee delivery of the team's work programme, projects, and initiatives

Provide high-quality operational policy advice and ensure compliance with statutory obligations

Build and maintain collaborative relationships across MSD and with key stakeholders

Embed a culture of accessibility, equity, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in all work

We 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.

Expertise in operational policy design or providing policy advice

Proven leadership and partnership-building skills

Experience leading a team or a strong desire to step into leadership

Strategic thinker with strong planning, organising, and time management skills

Proven relationship management and communication abilities

Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound judgement

Knowledge of programme / project management frameworks and decision support tools

Commitment to equity, accessibility, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Salary | Utu-a-tau : $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

The 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 tono :

To 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 responsibilitieslisted 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

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

This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining 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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