Change Manager

• Fixed Term / Secondment until December 2026

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 have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Change Manager to lead the change strategy and delivery for our HR and payroll transformation programme. You'll work closely with stakeholders across the Ministry to ensure people are informed, engaged, and supported through the change. You'll help shape how we work, build change capability, and ensure this enterprise transformation lands successfully. You'll also work closely with other change practitioners across the Ministry, contributing to a growing community of practice and helping shape how we lead change at MfE. This is a chance to influence not just one programme, but how we approach transformation more broadly at the Ministry.

Help shape how the Ministry for the Environment works, enabling our people to do what they do best. We're modernising our HR and payroll functions and need a Change Manager to lead the people side of this transformation. You'll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team driving meaningful change across the Ministry.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Proven experience leading change in complex transformation programmes, ideally with experience in HR or payroll systems, though not essential
• Strong understanding of change management principles, frameworks, and tools (e.g., ADKAR, Prosci).
• Ability to develop and deliver change strategies, communications, and engagement plans tailored to diverse audiences.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, with a track record of building trust and influencing at all levels.
• Experience in assessing change impacts, managing resistance, and supporting leaders to champion change.
• Excellent communication skills - written, verbal, and visual - with the ability to simplify complexity.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-change environment with competing priorities.
• Awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to working in partnership with Māori
• Understanding of the machinery of government and public sector environments.

Desirable Skills

• Change management certification (e.g., Prosci, APMG).
• Project management or business analysis experience.
• Experience in organisational development or capability building.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range

Salary range for this role is $119,974 to $145,706 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   The position description is available via our careers centre 

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  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:  Sunday 11th January 2026 @ 5pm

Please note: Candidates who have previously applied for this role need not reapply.