Policy Manager - Fixed Term Position - ref. e0163523

Lead a central policy function that drives meaningful impact

• Manage a policy work programme with important strategic priorities
• Demonstrate your senior policy leadership skills in a collaborative environment

Are you motivated by making a difference through policy leadership and drive work programme? We would like to hear from you.

Policy Manager – Fixed Term | Wellington

We’re looking for an experienced Policy Manager to lead a high-performing team delivering strategic, high-quality policy advice at the heart of government. This is an exciting opportunity to shape long-term outcomes, lead meaningful work, and grow policy capability in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

About the role

As a Policy Manager, you will:

• Lead a skilled team responsible for developing and delivering high-impact policy advice to senior leaders and Ministers.
• Drive the delivery of a complex, forward-looking policy work programme.
• Coach and mentor policy staff, lifting capability and performance across the team.
• Work in a matrixed environment where you’ll lead home teams and project-based teams to deliver on organisational priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight and ensure timely, well-communicated, and actionable policy outputs.
• Build strong relationships across government and manage key stakeholder and Ministerial engagement.

This is a senior role reporting to a tier-two manager and working closely with internal leaders and cross-agency partners.

What we’re looking for

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience managing policy teams in a public sector environment.
• A deep understanding of public policy development, including commissioning and quality assurance.
• Excellent writing skills, particularly experience drafting advice for Ministers.
• Strong people leadership skills, you’ll know how to get the best out of individuals and teams.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage risks, and navigate complex policy issues.
• A strong grasp of the machinery of government and current policy challenges.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

• Influence policy that has long-term impact
• Lead meaningful and challenging work
• Work with a highly capable and collaborative leadership team

Contact Cindy Barthel at cindy.barthel@madison.co.nz for more information or a confidential discussion.