Manager Planning and Capability

Job title: Manager Planning & Capability

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary: General Salary Range A, $162,094 to $189,933depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga

We're looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to join Policy and Trade as our Manager Planning & Capability. Policy and Trade is a dynamic business unit working across multiple policy, regulatory and trade systems and interfacing with MPI's operational business units.

The Manager Planning & Capability is the key advisor to the DDG Policy and Trade and the Policy and Trade leadership team, on strategic planning, operating capability, long-term resourcing and performance. You'll also play a key role in cross-functional collaboration with People & Capability, Finance, and Business Planning teams.

As part of this role, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of planning and capability strategies across the Policy & Trade business unit.
• Drive team performance and delivery by building and supporting a capable, engaged, and high-performing team.
• Advise senior leaders on strategic workforce planning, capability investment, and financial prioritisation.
• Drive innovation in operating models and technology adoption, especially in policy and treaty contexts.

About You - Mou

You'll bring a strong public sector background, with experience in capability, planning and finance from a business delivery perspective. You're confident operating in complex environments, influencing across the organisation, and building trusted relationships at senior leadership levels.

As an experienced people leader, you know how to build and lead high-performing teams. You're a strategic thinker with sound judgement, able to navigate ambiguity, prioritise effectively, and deliver tangible outcomes.

You'll also be able to demonstrate:

• Strong strategic influence and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in planning and delivering business initiatives in complex environments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and resources effectively.
• Comfort working in ambiguity and driving innovation.
• Deep understanding of government processes and policy environments.
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets.

About the Team - Mo to matou Ropu

This is an established, Wellington-based team that plays a central role in supporting Policy & Trade. The team currently consists of six direct reports and together, they provide strategic planning, advisory support, and capability development across the business unit.

Reporting to the Director Programmes & Planning, the Manager Planning & Capability leads this high-performing group, fostering collaboration and alignment across the wider organisation. The team works closely with leaders and stakeholders to ensure Policy & Trade is well-positioned to deliver on its strategic priorities.

About MPI - Mo te Manatu Ahu Matua

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki - guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua

• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

MPI Benefits - View here

Credit check - Tirotiro nama

Please note, given this position is identified as carrying financial risk, the preferred candidate(s) will be required to satisfactorily pass a credit check.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click "APPLY FOR THIS JOB" or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 19 November.

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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