Job Description
Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate and Chief People Officer
Wellington-based | Permanent, Full-time role
About The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Tari pirimia me te rūnanga rūnanga
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) occupies a unique space within the heart of government supporting the Prime Minister, Cabinet and the Governor General to lead and govern New Zealand. The department also has an important role to build a stronger, more secure nation through our national resilience, risk and national security activity.
About the Role | Mō te Tūranga
As the Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) Corporate and Chief People Officer, you will work in close partnership with the Chief Executive to shape and grow our organisation’s workforce and capability in a way that delivers on our strategic goals. You will play a pivotal role in leading corporate functions that ensure the Department operates effectively, efficiently, and sustainably, with a sharp focus on people, performance, and continuous improvement.
Additionally, you will provide professional leadership for the People and Culture function, ensuring we have the culture, environment, and capability to succeed. You will serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive on organisational culture and people-related matters, helping to build an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing organisation.
Key Responsibilities | Ngā Haepapa Matua
- Lead corporate functions to support operational effectiveness, including people and capability, performance and planning, and continuous improvement.
- Drive the development of a people strategy that aligns with organisational goals and ensures workforce capability is future-ready.
- Provide trusted advice to the Chief Executive on matters of organisational culture, employee engagement, and leadership development.
- Embed a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, strengthening our commitment to a workforce that reflects and serves our diverse communities.
- Champion high-quality leadership, change management, and professional development across the organisation.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
About You | Mōu Anō
We seek a values-driven individual with a strategic mindset and proven leadership experience in complex organisations. Key skills and qualities include:
- Strong leadership capability with the ability to inspire and connect with people at all levels.
- Deep understanding of people and culture functions, workforce development, and organisational change.
- Experience leading corporate functions in a dynamic and shifting operating environment.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to provide advice at the executive level.
- Commitment to public service values and te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, including advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrated success in embedding a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
Why Join Us? | Nā te aha i Tūhono Mai Ai Ki a Mātou?
This is an extraordinary opportunity to play a central role in driving our organisation’s success. You’ll work alongside a diverse and passionate team committed to making a real difference for Aotearoa New Zealand.
We offer:
- A strategically central leadership role with a highly engaged executive team.
- Opportunities to shape the culture and future direction of a purpose-driven organisation.
- A workplace that values wellbeing, innovation, and collaboration.
Security Requirements | Ngā Whakaritenga Haumarutanga
Normally you must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a Resident class visa. Alternatively, you must have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia with a 10 year checkable background. To find out morecheck your eligibility for a TOP SECRET security clearance.
How to Apply – Me Pēhea te Tono Mai
The role is being managed by Shane Mackay Principal Consultant at H2R Consulting, for a confidential discussion you can contact Shane at shane.mackay@h2r.co.nz or on 04 499 9471. All applications must be made online. The closing date for this role is 5pm Wednesday July 23 2025.
DPMC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from all backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Prior to DPMC confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum