Manager, System Design and Innovation | Flexible

Job Description

This role is a fixed term position in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We're looking for a skilled and experienced Manager to lead the team responsible for the design and delivery of digital enablement and technology reform initiatives within the Resource Management, Climate and Adaptation systems. This is a fixed term role to 30 June 2026.

This leadership role is central to improving the digital foundations of these systems, driving user-centric enterprise solution designs, streamlining processes through automation and integrated digital workflows, and embedding advanced analytics capabilities such as artificial intelligence to enable smarter, data-driven decision-making.

Working within the Strategy, Stewardship & Performance Group, you'll support senior leaders, and delivery teams to ensure initiatives are well-managed, strategically aligned, and responsive to evolving priorities. Your leadership will help shape a more connected, efficient, and user-focused digital planning system.

You'll be accountable for:

• Developing digital transformation roadmaps and plans.
• Leading the design and delivery of technology-enabled systems and digital solutions.
• Managing complex technology programmes, including risk, budget, and stakeholder engagement.
• Leading on advice development to Ministry senior leadership, governance groups and Ministers.
• Building capability in digital transformation across the Ministry Driving innovation in process automation, performance reporting, and integrated information management.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

• Extensive experience in technology leadership, systems design, and digital transformation.
• Experience applying user-centric service design technology initiatives
• Proven track record in delivering complex, multi-stakeholder technology programmes.
• Skilled in Agile delivery, risk management, and stakeholder coordination
• Expertise in process improvement, including automation, data integration, and digital workflows.
• Experience with public sector digital delivery including digital standards, privacy legislation, and cybersecurity frameworks
• Strong understanding of government systems and policy-making processes.
• Experience in commercial negotiations and procurement of digital technology.
• Experience in central government business case and budget processes.
• Ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of the machinery of government and Treaty obligations

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $166,575 to $202,236 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact Sally Morison at sally.morison@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Tuesday 30th September 2025 @ 5pm