Head of the Office of the Chief Executive
On-site · Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand
Job Summary
Senior public sector leadership role based in Wellington, leading the newly established Office of the Chief Executive at MBIE. Provide high-quality strategic advice to the Chief Executive, build and lead a small leadership team (two Principal Advisors, a Senior Advisor, and a Director of Strategic Communications), maintain situational awareness across MBIE, and ensure effective escalation and engagement with Ministers. The role sits on MBIE’s Senior Leadership Team, requires strong political acumen, and demands the ability to operate with discretion and integrity in a confidential environment. A Top Secret national security clearance is required. Applications are to be submitted for consideration by the stated process.
Required Qualifications
- Significant senior leadership experience in the New Zealand public sector, with strong knowledge of central government processes and the ministerial interface
- Direct experience working with Ministers, including an understanding of parliamentary protocol and how to get things done in that environment
- Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality strategic advice to senior executives, with the confidence to offer constructive challenge
- Strong political nous and organisational savvy, with a track record of navigating sensitive issues and maintaining the trust of senior colleagues
- Proven experience leading high-performing teams and building a culture of professionalism and responsiveness
- Strong issues and risk management capability, including the ability to identify emerging matters early and drive coordinated responses
- The ability to operate with discretion, integrity, and sound judgement in a confidential environment
- Exceptional judgment and communication skills, including the ability to distil complex information into clear, concise advice
- This role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret national security clearance
- Must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this job
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