Service Manager

Job Description

Service Manager – Waikato | Ministry of Justice– Permanent

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

This role isn't about having the perfect qualification or following a traditional career path. It's about mindset. We're looking for someone who is values-led, community-minded, and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in Waikato and the wider region. As a Service Manager at the Ministry of Justice, you'll lead and support frontline teams who work with people at pivotal moments in their lives. Your leadership will help create fair, accessible, and humane justice services that truly serve our community. This role reports to a Manager Justice Services and works collaboratively with the team to strengthen people's trust in the Law of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you!

To be successful in this role, you will need the following skills, knowledge, and experience:

• operational management experience, ideally in the District Court and Tribunals environment

• previous experience in managing and developing the capability of staff

• proven leadership skills to motivate and lead staff to achieve targets and understand their contribution to the bigger picture

• good track record in supporting and implementing changes to business and work processes

• be adaptable in a changing operations and customer centric environment

• to possess well-developed interpersonal skills which will enable you to establish relationships and motivate others

• able to develop and maintain strong working relationships

• strong analytical, tactical, and strategic ability.

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave

• an online professional development portal

• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $99,208 - $135,539 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

If you have these qualities, then you'll be joining our team at a challenging and genuinely exciting time. We would offer the successful person the opportunity to make a difference, the chance to be part of a vibrant and dynamic team, learn new and interesting things, and gain experience in a wide range of areas.

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 25 November 2026; however, we may be reviewing CVs as they come in, and inviting successful candidates to interview before the closing date.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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