Manager Maternity Child and Family Policy

Benefits

Additional Information

Wellington based | Permanent | Full-time 4.8 weeks annual leave | Wellness allowance after 12 months Influence system‑level change in this pivotal leadership role Ko tōu ake mahi - What you'll do As Manager Maternity, Child and Family Policy, you will play a pivotal leadership role shaping policy that makes a real and lasting difference for whānau across Aotearoa. This is a senior policy leadership role requiring deep expertise, judgement, and the ability to lead complex, high-impact work programmes. You will build and lead a high-performing, analytically strong team, while remaining closely engaged in the content of the work, providing strategic oversight and heading the direction across maternity care, child health (including the first 2000 days), and family wellbeing. Working closely with the GM Sector Policy and partners across the health and wider social sectors, you'll influence system‑level change, ensure policy advice is evidence-based and implementable, uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and ensure the Ministry's work delivers meaningful outcomes for children, parents, and communities. Lead the development and delivery of policy across maternity, child and family health, aligned with government and Ministry priorities Provide intellectual and strategic leadership on policy design, ensuring advice is rigorous, evidence-based, and grounded in a deep understanding of the health system Build, lead and develop a high-performing team with strong analytical capability, setting clear expectations for quality and impact Build and maintain strong relationships across the health and social sectors, including interagency and governance forums Ensure work programmes are well planned, risks are actively managed, and delivery is timely and high quality. Role‑model the Ministry's values and culture, embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and supporting capability and capacity across the Group. Ko ngā pukenga ōu - What You'll Bring Significant senior policy experience, including leading complex and high-profile policy work in a central agency or social sector environment Demonstrated ability to provide deep policy leadership, shaping advice, challenging thinking, and driving high-quality analytical work Strong capability in funding and financial policy, including understanding fiscal implications and ensuring advice is practical, implementable, and sustainable Proven experience building and leading high-performing policy teams, with a focus on developing strong analytical capability, including on financial implications Strong understanding of public policy and the machinery of government, including political and administrative processes Expertise in maternity, child (including the first 2000 days), and family health policy, using evidence‑based approaches Excellent relationship‑building and influencing skills across the Ministry, health sector, and interagency partners Strategic, resilient leader with strong communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Ngā hua o tō mātou whare - What we bring Discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We're not just a workplace; we're a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, we value the authentic 'you', ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible. Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply Applications close on Sunday 19th June. Please note you must be based in Wellington and have permanent working rights to be considered for this position. If you plan to relocate please let us know your plans in your cover letter. Click here to view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website to apply. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz .