Chief System Transformation Officer

Lead the change strategy for one of Aotearoa's most significant reforms

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the Role

We're seeking a strategic and influential Āpiha Whakaumu Pūnaha Matua / Chief System Transformation Officer (CSTO) to design and lead the change management, sector readiness, and capability frameworks for the Planning and Environmental System Transformation Programme. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive system-wide adoption and ensure councils, agencies, iwi/Māori, and the wider sector are ready and supported to implement the new resource management system.

As a key member of the Transformation Office leadership team, you'll orchestrate change across central and local government, iwi/Māori partners, and industry, ensuring transformation is coherent, sequenced, and integrated with policy, digital, data, and commercial workstreams.

In this role you will;

• Lead the design and implementation of the system-change framework for resource management reform.

• Drive sector readiness and capability uplift across councils, agencies, and iwi/Māori partners.

• Develop and deliver the RM Skills and Workforce Capability Strategy.

• Represent the programme in high-level forums on system transformation and adoption.

• Ensure integration of system-change with digital, data, commercial, and policy workstreams.

• Provide assurance to senior leaders and Ministers on readiness, adoption, and capability progress.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience in large-scale, system-wide public sector transformation.

• Expertise in change management, sector readiness, behavioural insights, and capability development.

• Strong understanding of local government systems and regulatory implementation.

• Experience partnering with iwi/Māori and applying te Tiriti o Waitangi in system design and delivery.

• Exceptional political acumen and ability to influence at the highest levels.

• Relevant tertiary qualification in digital technology, solution architecture, or equivalent experience.

• Ability to gain and maintain a New Zealand Government security clearance as required.

For more information about the transformation of the planning and environmental management system - check out this article on our website:  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE

• 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 Sally Morison via email 

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.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and may contact candidates prior to the role closing.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:  Sunday 11 January 2026 @ 5pm