Manager, People Safety and Wellbeing
Wellington, NZ
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
As the Manager, People Safety and Wellbeing, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping a culture where our people feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. This is your opportunity to champion innovative initiatives that enhance mental health, wellbeing, and safety across the Ministry.
You’ll collaborate widely building strong partnerships, sharing expertise, and driving continuous improvement in how we care for our people. Your leadership will be key to embedding wellbeing into every aspect of our work, uplifting capability, and fostering cross-agency connections that make a real difference.
Reporting to the Manager, Workforce Design, Capability & Wellbeing, you’ll lead our small but mighty People Safety and Wellbeing team. You’ll be a trusted voice for People Sustainability and Place, ensuring our workforce’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of every strategy, initiative, and programme we deliver.
For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
As our Manager, People Safety and Wellbeing, you’ll bring:
- A knack for improvement: Proven experience developing, monitoring, and refining functional workflows and processes that make a real difference.
- Inclusive leadership: A track record of building and leading diverse teams, fostering a safe, open, and responsive culture where everyone can thrive and contribute to shared outcomes.
- Specialist expertise: Demonstrated success in a similar role, with deep knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and a solid understanding of the NZ State Sector and machinery of government.
- Relationship-building skills: The ability to forge and sustain strong internal and external partnerships, building trust and rapport to support long-term wellbeing outcomes.
- Integrity and commitment: A strong alignment with the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct, and a willingness to lead by example.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
About Te Pou Rangatōpū
Te Pou Rangatōpū is the Ministry’s backbone—keeping us safe and running smoothly by delivering essential statutory and corporate functions. Beyond the day-to-day, Te Pou Rangatōpū drives improvements in how we work, helping us achieve our priorities and deliver better outcomes for our people and communities.
About the Workforce Design, Capability and Wellbeing Team
Our Workforce Design, Capability and Wellbeing team is all about people. We provide strategic insights, advice, and services that help the Ministry attract, develop, and retain top talent. We lead organisational design and change, and we’re passionate about keeping our people safe, healthy, and well—so everyone can thrive and do their best work.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your cover letter and resume by clicking the ‘apply’ button.
In your cover letter, tell us about yourself—your values, what motivates you, and anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your strengths, transferable skills, and the unique perspectives you’ll bring to this role. Your story matters to us, and we look forward to learning more about you.
For further information, please contact Sarah Ball - Manager, Workforce Design, Capability and Wellbeing at sarah.ball@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight – Friday 3 October 2025.
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
