Policy and Performance Manager

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of New Zealanders? At the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB), you'll be at the heart of shaping the future of social work—championing quality, safety, and equity for all. We're a small, passionate team with a big purpose: to protect the public and uplift the social work profession. Here, your expertise will directly influence policy, drive performance, and help us honour our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments.

• Impact: Your leadership will empower social workers and improve outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.
• Culture: We celebrate diversity, value every voice, and foster a supportive, inclusive environment where you can thrive.
• Growth: You'll have the autonomy to innovate, the support to develop, and the opportunity to leave a legacy.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As our Policy and Performance Manager, you'll lead a talented team to turn data into action, strategy into results, and vision into reality. Reporting to the Director of Sector Strategy and Performance, you'll be the bridge between analysis and impact—guiding the SWRB's policy, performance, and accountability.

What you'll do:

• Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, nurturing a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth.
• Drive the development and delivery of policy advice, performance frameworks, and business intelligence that shape the future of social work in New Zealand.
• Champion evidence-based decision-making, ensuring our work is meaningful, timely, and aligned with our purpose and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Build strong relationships with sector leaders, government agencies, and Māori partners—amplifying our collective impact.
• Be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, contributing to strategic engagement, communications, and key organisational documents.

Mōhou ake | About you

You're a strategic thinker, a natural leader, and a passionate advocate for social good. You thrive in complex environments, bring people together, and turn challenges into opportunities.

You'll bring:

• A tertiary qualification in public policy, social science, economics, law, or a related field.
• Significant experience in policy development, performance management, or Crown accountability/reporting.
• At least 5 years' management experience, with a proven record of leading high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of government processes, regulatory environments, and professional legislation.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te ao Māori, and cultural competence.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills.
• Integrity, resilience, and a drive to make a difference.

Ko wai tātou | Who are we?

He ara pukenga, he ara tauwhiro, hei whakamana mātā waka

The many pathways of knowledge, the many pathways of social work, upholding the dignity of all

The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) / Kāhui Whakamana Tauwhiro is a Crown Entity which is Aotearoa's social worker regulator and lead agency for social worker workforce planning.

It protects the safety of members of the public by ensuring social workers are competent and safe to practise and are accountable for the way in which they practise. It also enhances social workers' professional practice and provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the social worker workforce.

As the SWRB, we recognise our Crown-Māori commitment as a Te Tiriti O Waitangi partner and are committed to improving services and outcomes for Māori, strengthening the Crown's relationship with Māori, and developing our Māori capability.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you?

Working for SWRB will provide you with the opportunity to be part of a small crown agent and regulator to grow your experience and knowledge of working in government. You will be part of a small supportive organisation (50 staff) where learning and developing is encouraged. We also offer:

• Flexible work-life balance.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Autonomy, authenticity and belonging.
• Wellbeing focused environment.
• People focused organisational culture.

For more information, please contact To apply please submit your CV and cover letter via the Seek website. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Applications close Thursday 20th November 2025