Head of the Office of the Deputy Secretary BRM

About the Role

The Head of the Office of the Deputy Secretary is a vital leadership position within the Building, Resources and Markets Group (BRM) at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This role reports directly to the Deputy Secretary and acts as a key member of the Group Leadership Team. You will ensure that leadership priorities are effectively translated into actions, supporting the group to achieve government priorities and organisational goals.

This position involves a blend of strategic leadership and operational management, providing expert advice, leading organisational planning, managing key programmes, and overseeing ministerial servicing and governance functions. You will act as the main liaison between BRM and MBIE's corporate teams to enable cohesive decision-making and organizational efficiency.

Additionally, you will lead the group’s Private Secretaries, Business Management, Policy Capability, and Ministerial Services, operating within a highly visible and politically nuanced environment. Success in this role requires the ability to navigate complex issues, build trusted relationships, and foresee emerging challenges.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced leader comfortable in dynamic settings, motivated by influencing high-level public sector outcomes, and eager to partner directly with the Deputy Secretary on strategy and operational performance impacting New Zealand’s economy and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the Deputy Secretary and BRM Leadership Team.
• Shape strategic direction and oversee organisational performance within a group responsible for major regulatory, policy, and operational areas.
• Lead critical functions including business management, capability development, and ministerial services.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, corporate sectors, Ministers’ offices, and external stakeholders to influence outcomes across MBIE.
• Drive initiatives that enhance organisational capability, delivery, and performance.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven leadership experience in building high-performing teams and managing work through others to meet organisational goals.
• Experience providing strategic advice and support to senior leaders, with strong political awareness and sound judgment in complex, competing priority environments.
• Excellent relationship building and communication skills to effectively influence stakeholders and work across organisational boundaries.
• Comprehensive understanding of organisational planning, performance management, financial and resource oversight.
• Familiarity with public sector structures, ministerial processes, and operating effectively within politically sensitive contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality results swiftly while balancing multiple demands and responding proactively to emerging issues.

About MBIE

MBIE strives to build a resilient and productive economy that improves New Zealanders’ quality of life. The ministry fosters business productivity and international competitiveness while ensuring inclusive economic participation and affordable quality housing.

Our approach is people-centered and guided by core values:

• Mahi Tahi – collaboration
• Māia – courage and boldness
• Pae Kahurangi – building the future
• Pono Me Te Tika – accountability and integrity

MBIE honors the Treaty of Waitangi and is committed to meaningful partnerships with Māori iwi, Māori organizations, and the Crown to support sustainable economic and social development benefiting Māori and wider New Zealand.

Terms & Salary

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Wellington. The salary range is NZD 179,391 to 269,087, reflecting experience and capability.