Regional Director | Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland Central and East Region
Ministry of Social DevelopmentJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
MSD is inviting applications for a Regional Director for the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Central and East Region, a full time onsite leadership role that sits at the intersection of high client demand, dispersed teams and diverse communities. You will lead frontline service delivery, develop people leaders, translate strategy into practical outcomes, drive performance and continuous improvement, champion better outcomes for whānau and communities, align regional work with national direction, and build partnerships with iwi, community organisations, employers and stakeholders while balancing regional pressures. Success hinges on blending strong people leadership with sharp operational judgment and a proven track record of improving outcomes in complex settings. For best results, tailor your cover letter to the PD’s key responsibilities, cite concrete examples, demonstrate Te Tiriti aligned collaboration and Auckland regional knowledge, ensure your CV aligns with Te Pae Tawhiti and Te Pae Tata, and apply online by 11 August 2026, noting accessibility needs and reviewing the AI guidance before you submit.
You will lead in environments characterised by:
- High and varied client demand
- Large, geographically dispersed workforces
- Diverse communities and varying service needs
- Complex stakeholder, partnership, and system interfaces
Success in this role requires the ability to adapt your leadership approach to local needs while maintaining high standards of performance, integrity, and client service across Auckland.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As Regional Director, you'll:
- Lead frontline service delivery operations across Central and East Auckland
- Lead, support and develop people leaders across the region.
- Translate strategic priorities into practical, measurable outcomes.
- Drive operational performance, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Champion better outcomes for clients, whānau and communities across the region.
- Align regional priorities with national direction.
- Build and strengthen partnerships with iwi, community organisations, employers and key stakeholders.
- Balance national direction with regional priorities and pressures
This role is well suited to an experienced leader who combines strong people leadership with a sharp operational lens, builds confidence through action, and is committed to improving outcomes for the communities we serve.
What we offer
- The opportunity to join a collaborative and high-performing senior leadership team
- Competitive remuneration, supported by ongoing leadership and professional development
- A role with genuine scope to influence outcomes and make a meaningful impact across the Auckland region
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Click or copy and paste the link into your browser. http://www.msd.govt.nz/hr/documents/position-descriptions/dce-service-delivery/client-service-delivery/regional-director-client-service-delivery.docx
Key Business Information
Te Pae Tawhiti – Our Strategic Direction
Te Pae Tata – Māori Strategy and Action Plan
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $163,429.00 - $217,905.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 11.59pm Tuesday 11 August 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 the Executive Assistant to Regional Commissioner on [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.