Policy Manager

1 day ago

Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand Madison Recruitment Limited Full time
  • Lead a central policy function that drives meaningful impact
  • Manage a policy work programme with important strategic priorities
  • Demonstrate your senior policy leadership skills in a collaborative environment

Are you motivated by making a difference through policy leadership and drive work programme? We would like to hear from you. 

Policy Manager – Permanent | Wellington

We're looking for an experienced Policy Manager to lead a high-performing team delivering strategic, high-quality policy advice at the heart of government. This is an exciting opportunity to shape long-term outcomes, lead meaningful work, and grow policy capability in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

About the role

As a Policy Manager, you will:

  • Lead a skilled team responsible for developing and delivering high-impact policy advice to senior leaders and Ministers.
  • Drive the delivery of a complex, forward-looking policy work programme.
  • Coach and mentor policy staff, lifting capability and performance across the team.
  • Work in a matrixed environment where you'll lead home teams and project-based teams to deliver on organisational priorities.
  • Provide strategic oversight and ensure timely, well-communicated, and actionable policy outputs.
  • Build strong relationships across government and manage key stakeholder and Ministerial engagement.

This is a senior role reporting to a tier-two manager and working closely with internal leaders and cross-agency partners.

What we're looking for

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

  • Proven experience managing policy teams in a public sector environment.
  • A deep understanding of public policy development, including commissioning and quality assurance.
  • Excellent writing skills, particularly experience drafting advice for Ministers.
  • Strong people leadership skills, you'll know how to get the best out of individuals and teams.
  • Ability to work under pressure, manage risks, and navigate complex policy issues.
  • A strong grasp of the machinery of government and current policy challenges.
  • A relevant tertiary qualification.

Why join us?

  • Influence policy that has long-term impact
  • Lead meaningful and challenging work
  • Work with a highly capable and collaborative leadership team

Ready to lead impactful policy work in a senior leadership role? Apply now via SEEK with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability.

Contact Cindy Barthel at for more information or a confidential discussion.

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