Director, Office of the Deputy Secretary - Strategy | Wellington Region

Job Description

Director, Office of the Deputy Secretary – Strategy | Wellington Region

• Influence system direction at the highest levels
• Work at the intersection of strategy, data, and relationships
• Contribute directly to improving justice outcomes

Te Haeata/The Opportunity 

This is a rare opportunity to step into the centre of strategy, insight, and investment for New Zealand's justice system.

As Director, Office of the Deputy Secretary (Pou Whakatere) Strategy, you will lead a small, high-impact team that helps shape system direction, strengthen performance, and support better justice outcomes, particularly for Māori.

This is not a traditional office leadership role. It is a senior influence role, working directly with the Deputy Secretary and senior leaders to bring together strategy, performance, sector insights and relationships, ensuring decisions are grounded in evidence, culturally informed thinking, and a deep understanding of what will make the greatest difference.

From advising on emerging strategic priorities and risks, to strengthening long-term justice sector insight and Crown entity performance, your work will help guide the future of the justice system in New Zealand.

You will also support work to strengthen partnerships with iwi, hapū and Māori organisations, and help advance initiatives that address persistent disproportionality in the system.

You will:

• Lead a small, high-impact team delivering strategic advice, analysis and insight.
• Advise the Deputy Secretary and senior leaders on priorities, risks and opportunities.
• Connect data, evaluation, sector insight and relationships to inform investment and performance decisions.
• Strengthen the Ministry's approach to Māori outcomes, including partnership with iwi, hapū and Māori organisations.
• Help provide oversight and assurance across Crown entity performance, sector priorities, system strategy and investment decisions.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

We're looking for a strategic, people-centred leader who thrives in complexity and ambiguity.

• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and building capability in fast-moving environments.
• Strong strategic judgement, with experience shaping advice at senior or executive level.
• The ability to synthesise data, research and insight into clear advice that informs key decisions.
• Deep experience working across government, policy, or complex systems, ideally with exposure to justice or social sector outcomes.
• Highly developed relationship and influencing skills, including with senior stakeholders and across organisational boundaries.
• A demonstrated commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi), and experience supporting work that improves outcomes for Māori.
• The confidence to operate as both a strategic thought partner and delivery leader.
• Strong understanding of the machinery of government, including ministerial servicing and public sector processes.

You don't need to meet every requirement. If you bring strong leadership, insight, and a commitment to impact, we want to hear from you.

Mō mātou/About us

At  the Ministry of Justice (Te Tāhū o te Ture), we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law. 

In the Ātea a Rangi – Strategy group, we are focused on improving justice outcomes for Aotearoa through setting the strategic direction and driving performance through planning, performance monitoring and reporting. 

Joining the Ministry of Justice (Te Tāhū o te Ture) means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.  

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career. 

Utu ā-tau/Salary 

 
The appointing salary for this role will be between $177,308 and $244,038 based on skills and experience. However, remuneration will be determined in line with the Secondment Policy, and an Additional Duties Allowance (ADA) may or may not apply, depending on the scope of responsibilities and alignment with your current role and salary. 

Tono mai/Apply 

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.  

Applications close on 5 July ; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.  

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz 

Follow us on LinkedIn