Deputy Chief Executive – Transformation
- Significant public sector transformation programme
- Strategic change leadership role
- Reporting to: Chief Executive, MSD
MSD is embarking on a bold new journey—one that will refine our role and amplify the impact we have on the lives of New Zealanders. Through our transformation programme, we are setting the foundation for a stronger, smarter, and more responsive welfare system in the future, ensuring we can make a bigger and better difference for the communities we serve.
This is your opportunity to lead one of the most significant public sector transformation programmes in New Zealand.
About the role
The DCE – Transformation is responsible for the successful delivery of MSD – services for the future programme. This is a complex multi-year programme that requires strong, visionary leadership to drive our transformation goals.
This role provides overall leadership and direction for the programme, ensuring it is successfully delivered on time, within scope and on budget. This includes ensuring the effective design, delivery, and implementation of multiple service changes across technology, business process, data and information, and people.
In this role you will build and lead a high-performing group with the capability and cross organisation connections required to deliver the transformation programme. You will provide strong strategic oversight and lead internal and external stakeholder engagement to champion the programme and ensure ongoing investment, prioritisation and alignment to government priorities.
The DCE – Transformation is part of the MSD Leadership Team, with responsibilities to actively contribute to shaping strategy, guiding organisational decisions, and monitoring performance for MSD.
About you
We are looking for a strategic change leader with a proven track record in delivering complex, enterprise-wide transformation. You will bring deep experience in leading large-scale change programmes within complex environments, along with strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, and the ability to influence at the highest levels. A sound understanding of digital transformation, service design, and organisational change is essential, as is a commitment to public service and improving outcomes for New Zealanders.
This is an unrivalled opportunity to be part of something extraordinary—a chance to shape the future of MSD and be at the forefront of significant change. Over a million New Zealanders rely on MSD’s support and services. This programme ensures we can provide them with the services they need into the future.
Position Description
A copy of the position description can be found here:
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.
Salary range: $368,222.00 - $489,054.00
How to apply
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact [email protected]
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Application Close: Sunday, 7th September 2025
About us
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.
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.
Joining us
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.
