Policy Manager Fixed Term

About the organisation

The organisation operates within the government sector, contributing to public policy and government goals.

About the role

This is a senior policy leadership opportunity based in Wellington, within a large public sector organisation whose policy work contributes directly to government goals. You'll lead a policy team and its policy domain, partnering with other managers across the organisation. It is a contract role with genuine breadth, influence and visibility at the most senior levels.

Key responsibilities

• Set team strategy, work programme, priorities and domain strategy, aligned to the organisation's strategic direction and other groups' work programmes.
• Drive delivery of high-quality policy advice and results, applying advanced judgement to prioritise and integrate across projects.
• Provide high-quality commissioning of policy projects.
• Manage the delivery and landing of advice with senior managers, Ministers and stakeholders.
• Manage multiple complex projects concurrently using effective planning and management techniques.
• Participate in, chair and leverage advisory and governance groups to drive the policy agenda and enable timely decisions.
• Manage expenditure and resources in line with approved guidelines, budget, deadlines and reporting requirements, with a focus on cost-effectiveness.
• Lead, coach and develop the team — recruitment, performance, development, safety and wellbeing — and anticipate future capability needs.
• Build and maintain enduring relationships with senior stakeholders, and strategic alliances with government and non-government representatives.

Skills & experience

• Mastery of public policy processes and in-depth understanding of the policy production process, including stakeholder consultation.
• Strong intellectual capability to analyse large, complex policy issues and synthesise the ideas, analysis and advice of others.
• Effective commissioning and policy management techniques, including identifying and managing risk.
• Understanding of the strategic context and current policy agenda, with the foresight and judgement to shape work programmes and anticipate priorities.