Senior Change Manager

• Fulltime opportunity up for grabs
• Role can be based in our National Office (Whanganui a Tara/Wellington) or remotely
• Fixed term or secondment available until 30 June 2026

Responsible for the delivery, overall integrity, and coherence of the internal change programme.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Enabling Communities programme was established to test and prototype opportunities to shift decision making and resources closer to Māori and communities – in other words, the testing of decentralisation. Partners lead the development, design, implementation and evaluation of their prototypes while the role of Oranga Tamariki is to enable and implement the changes needed internally to support the delivery and evaluation of partner prototypes.

This position plays a key role in identifying and driving the internal changes needed to support partner success

This role is preferably based in our Wellington office, however, we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including remote working for this role.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are looking for our next leader of change with the proven ability to see the "big picture" and understand the strategic context of projects. Some other key requirements of the role include:

• Able to engage effectively to support the internal changes needed at a system and operational level
• Experience working in a partnership model and advocating for partnered or partner-led approaches
• Experience in identifying stakeholders, identifying and articulating the impacts to them, and developing the approaches necessary to support them to transition to the new way of working
• Able to create clarity from ambiguity and bring structure and discipline to in-flight activity
• Can engage with senior leaders and works to support the Senior Responsible Officer
• Is experienced in operating across multiple initiatives or business groups with their respective implementation teams
• Experienced in adapting quickly and working effectively in an ambiguous delivery environment
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring. Please limit your cover letter to one page.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.