Team Lead, Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

Role Overview

Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa is seeking an experienced Team Lead for its Recruitment and Talent Acquisition division in Wellington. This role centers on guiding a nationwide recruitment team, driving strategic, end-to-end talent acquisition initiatives that align with organizational goals across New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

As the leader of a six-member recruiting team dispersed throughout the country, you will oversee daily recruitment operations within a centralized function focused on delivering exceptional, customer-oriented services. You will build trusted partnerships with hiring managers, acting as a strategic advisor in workforce planning, talent sourcing, role design, and recruitment strategy development. This role demands hands-on leadership, including stepping into recruitment activities directly to support the team as needed. You will foster a culture of accountability, encourage capability building among your team members, and continuously enhance recruitment processes to provide a trusted, respected service known for excellence.

Candidate Profile

• A well-established recruitment specialist with a deep understanding of delivering outstanding recruitment services consistently.
• Extensive experience managing complete recruitment cycles in environments emphasizing partnership and strategic talent acquisition.
• Capability to balance candidate experience with organizational objectives and stakeholder expectations while maintaining a high standard and urgency.
• Excellent communication skills, setting clear expectations, following through reliably, and displaying pragmatic problem-solving abilities.
• A genuine dedication to cultivating positive experiences for candidates, hiring managers, and recruitment team members.

Leadership experience is advantageous but not mandatory; applications from senior recruitment professionals showing leadership readiness are welcome.

About Stats NZ

Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa is committed to providing trustworthy data and insights that empower New Zealanders' decisions today and in the future. The organization values its workforce and aims to deliver straightforward and people-focused employee experiences, particularly in talent attraction, recruitment, and onboarding.

Application Details

If you are motivated by the prospect of transforming nationwide recruitment and shaping future talent acquisition practices at Stats NZ, we encourage your application. The selection process is ongoing, with early reviews and engagement; applicants are advised to submit before the closing date of Sunday, 9th August 2026.

Stats NZ is dedicated to an accessible, inclusive recruitment process and welcomes applicants requiring reasonable adjustments or wishing to provide feedback to enhance the experience continually.