About this role
• Help identify parts of MSD's Delivery Operating Model that can be designed and delivered in ways that are valuable, practical, and meet business needs. • Work across design, technology and delivery to help turn strategy into action • 1 Permanent and 1 Fixed-Term Role to end of 2027 – based in Wellington About our team | Mō te tīma New Zealand is changing, and so are we. MSD is transforming to build a smarter, simpler, more responsive welfare system. This is a rare opportunity to help shape a once-in-a-generation transformation to deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders. Join a multidisciplinary team driving people-led, technology-enabled change at scale. Business Service Design sits within the Transformation Group and helps turn MSD’s future direction into clear, connected and practical designs. The team works across transformation and the wider organisation to bring together customer, service, process, workforce and technology perspectives, supporting decisions that are aligned, evidence informed and ready to move towards delivery. About the role | Mō te tūnga As Lead Advisor, Business Service Design (Strategic Design), you'll play a key role in transforming how MSD delivers services for New Zealanders. Working at the intersection of business, service design and technology, you'll help turn strategic intent into practical, customer-centred solutions that are valuable, achievable and ready for delivery. You'll influence major transformation decisions, connect people and ideas across the organisation, and help design the future operating model that supports MSD Services for the Future. Additionally, you utilise your senior subject matter expert connecting business requirements with future-state service design and enabling technology. You’ll also provide authoritative advice, resolve complex issues and ensure proposed designs are practical, integrated and aligned with MSD’s strategic direction. You’ll also have the opportunity to work closely with Transition Planning and Design, Technology and Integrated Delivery teams and support the development of requirements, identify risks and dependencies, prepare governance material and strengthen capability by mentoring others. What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga • Significant senior-level experience in service design, business improvement, operating model development, business blueprinting, practice development or a related discipline in a large or complex organisation or transformation programme. • Experience designing and implementing frameworks, models, standards and ways of working, and turning concepts into practical tools and guidance. • Proficiency in contributing to complex transformation, change or service improvement initiatives. • Strong workshop facilitation, co-design and stakeholder engagement skills. • The ability to analyse complex problems and communicate clear, compelling options and recommendations. • A track record of identifying stakeholders, understanding their expectations and developing effective engagement approaches. • A commitment to embedding Te Ao Māori, Te Reo Māori, tikanga, kawa and Te Tiriti o Waitangi into the way we work. What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou You will have the opportunity to shape future services at the point where business needs, service design and technology come together. This is a role with broad influence, complex work and strong connections across MSD’s transformation, with scope to grow capability and improve how strategic designs move towards delivery. Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga Lead Advisor Business Service Design, Strategic Design, position descripton Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00 Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 11.59 pm, 21 October 2026 About us | Mō mātou The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are. How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form. Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement. All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected] Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate. Joining us | Ko te hono mai Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here. If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.