National Manager High Needs Services

National Manager High Needs Services

• Permanent, full time opportunity
• Location flexible with regular national travel

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This is a unique opportunity to lead the development and coordination of programmes and services that support some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most vulnerable tamariki and rangatahi.

Reporting to the Director Care & Clinical Services, the National Manager High Needs Services provides national leadership for programmes and services supporting children and young people with high and complex needs.

You will work across regions to drive consistency, strengthen service delivery, and ensure tamariki receive the specialist support they need to thrive.

As a strategic and people-focused leader, you will:

• Lead the coordination and standardisation of high-needs services across sites and regions.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, NGO providers, funding partners and community stakeholders.
• Provide oversight of externally delivered programmes to ensure quality, effectiveness and value for money.
• Manage national high-cost funding allocations and implement effective funding processes.
• Support the development of regional hubs and promote consistent approaches across the motu.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Champion the High and Complex Needs Interagency Strategy and kaupapa Māori approaches across your area of responsibility.

This role requires a highly capable leader who can work confidently in complex environments, influence across organisational boundaries, and balance operational, strategic and stakeholder priorities.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong experience managing complex stakeholder relationships across multiple organisations and sectors.
• Knowledge and experience of social services delivery and social work practice.
• Experience working within government or other complex public sector environments.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging for a wide range of audiences.
• The ability to navigate high-pressure environments and manage competing priorities.
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to kaupapa Māori practice.
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori and an appreciation of cross-cultural perspectives, including Pacific peoples' cultures.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work or a related field (highly desirable).
• A current full driver's licence and willingness to travel nationally as required.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $174,846 and $193,569 dependent on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact [email protected]

Applications for this role close at midnight on Thursday 27 August 2026.

We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.