Group Manager, Communications and Government Services

Role overview

This Wellington-based permanent leadership role places you at the centre of how the Ministry of Health manages communications, engagement, ministerial servicing, official information and other government-facing obligations. The position is full time and sits at senior leadership level, with broad responsibility for helping the Ministry operate transparently, credibly and effectively in a demanding public sector setting.

The role is suited to someone who can work confidently with Ministers, senior executives and key stakeholders, and who can lead change while maintaining strong performance, sound judgement and high standards of delivery. The midpoint salary for the position is $228,240, depending on experience, and the role includes 4.8 weeks of annual leave.

Key impact areas

You will lead an integrated function that supports public trust, strengthens communication with stakeholders and ensures the Ministry meets its statutory and ministerial responsibilities. The work is highly visible and requires a steady, strategic leader who can balance competing demands, manage complexity and maintain momentum in a fast-changing environment.

What you will do

• Provide strategic direction across communications, ministerial servicing, official information and correspondence functions so they remain aligned with Ministry priorities and legal obligations.
• Design and embed a coordinated operating model that improves agility, capability, consistency and risk management across the organisation while keeping strong central oversight.
• Ensure outputs meet demanding standards for transparency, Official Information Act compliance and parliamentary processes.
• Lead and develop a flexible, high-performing team culture that encourages collaboration, growth and strong delivery.
• Partner closely with Ministers’ offices, senior leaders and external stakeholders to give trusted advice and support effective execution.

What you will bring

You should be an accomplished senior leader who has worked at scale in complex public sector environments and successfully delivered results through change, pressure and high accountability.

• Extensive senior leadership experience across strategic communications, engagement and government service delivery.
• A strong background in business transformation, including implementing new operating models and technology-enabled ways of working in a complex organisation.
• Experience leading other leaders, growing capability and building connected, high-performing teams.
• Solid understanding of government systems and processes, including working at the political interface and meeting ministerial and statutory duties.
• Well-developed judgement and professional credibility when advising Ministers’ offices, executives and a broad range of stakeholders.
• The ability to explain complex issues clearly and turn them into practical advice, messages and decisions.
• A strong delivery mindset, with the resilience to juggle priorities, work through ambiguity and keep performance strong under pressure.

About the working environment

The Ministry describes itself as a workplace that supports growth, wellbeing and work-life balance, while valuing authenticity, inclusion and respect. It welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and encourages applicants to reach out if they need support to make the recruitment process accessible.

How to apply

Applications close at midnight on 28 June 2026. Applicants are asked to apply through the organisation’s careers process and include both a CV and a cover letter. Questions can be directed to the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may happen before the closing date. If a large volume of applications is received, the vacancy may close earlier than advertised. Recruitment agency submissions are not being accepted at this time.

Additional information

This is a Wellington-based, full-time, permanent position at senior leadership level. The role offers a midpoint salary of $228,240, dependent on experience, and includes 4.8 weeks of annual leave.