Principal HR Business Partner

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Location : Based at National Office in Wellington | Permanent, Full-time

Lead with Purpose. Partner for Impact. Shape the Future.

At MSD, people are at the heart of everything we do. As a Principal HR Business Partner, you’ll work alongside senior leaders in one of Aotearoa’s largest public service organisations, guiding the people strategy that drives social impact nationwide.

This is your opportunity to partner with our leaders to deliver impact, lift capability, drive performance, and support transformative outcomes for the communities we serve.

• Partner with senior leaders to develop and implement practical, forward-looking people strategies.
• Be a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing strategic, high-trust HR advice.
• Co-design workforce plans aligned with MSD’s long-term direction.
• Use workforce analytics and insights to shape our workforce of the future.
• Coach leaders through complex people challenges driving performance and engagement.
• Champion new ways of working, change initiatives, and future-ready capability.
• Lead talent and workforce planning to meet future capability needs.
• Influence and support organisational design and future-of-work transitions.
• Contribute to impactful HR programmes and organisation-wide projects.
• Collaborate across the People Group to ensure joined-up consistent HR services.
• Mentor People Group teams to build a collaborative, high-performing HR function.
• Proven experience as a strategic HR Business Partner in large, complex environments.
• A strong track record in influencing and coaching senior leaders.
• Strong analytical capability and ability to turn HR data into actionable insights.
• Experience driving change and enhancing leadership capability.
• Deep understanding of workforce planning, employment law, and people strategy.
• Passion for public service and an appreciation for Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work across teams to get things done.
• Influence outcomes that impact millions of New Zealanders.
• Work with a collaborative, forward-thinking People Group that’s helping shape the future of work.
• Nationwide reach and the opportunity to work across flexible and complex portfolios.
• A values-led culture that truly lives Manaaki, Whānau, Mahi Tahi, and Tika te Pono.
• Be part of an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and Te Ao Māori.

A copy of the position description can be found here.

Salary | Utu-ā-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, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

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 pēhea 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 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

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 whānau 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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