Workforce Planning Lead

• Join our Youth Justice Services and Residential Care Operational Support team in this unique opportunity to shape the future of frontline workforce planning
• Auckland based – Ellerslie Regional Office
• Permanent, full-time role with flexible working arrangements

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

As the Workforce Planning Lead, you will lead a team of workforce planners and the newly created Workforce Planning Hub while remaining hands-on in the delivery of workforce planning solutions. You'll play a critical role in ensuring our network of residences are safely and sustainably staffed, helping provide stability, continuity and high-quality care for tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa.

Supporting a complex 24/7 operating environment, you'll use workforce data, forecasting, rostering expertise and stakeholder engagement to support evidence-based decision making and improve workforce visibility across the network. You'll identify trends, workforce pressures and opportunities for improvement while developing workforce strategies that support both operational requirements and long-term organisational objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the Workforce Planning Hub team
• Designing, implementing and embedding a national workforce rostering approach
• Providing expert advice on workforce planning, scheduling and forecasting
• Analysing workforce trends, risks and operational data to support strategic decision making
• Building strong relationships with operational leaders and key stakeholders nationally
• Driving continuous improvement in workforce planning systems, processes and reporting
• Supporting safe staffing, workforce sustainability and operational excellence across residences

Our residences are more than places of care, they are places where tamariki and rangatahi are supported to heal, grow and build positive futures. Across our Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences, dedicated kaimahi work around the clock to create safe, stable and supportive environments. This role contributes directly to those outcomes by helping ensure our residences are sustainably staffed with the skilled people needed to provide consistent care and support.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you'll bring a combination of strategic thinking, workforce planning expertise and people leadership experience.

You'll have:

• Proven experience leading workforce planning, scheduling or rostering functions within a large, complex 24/7 operational environment
• Strong experience developing and implementing workforce management systems and workforce planning frameworks
• Advanced analytical capability with the ability to transform complex data into meaningful insights and recommendations
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and influencing change
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience developing workforce forecasts and recommendations that balance demand, capability, productivity and cost
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of government or public sector environments is advantageous
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience
• The ability to travel within New Zealand as required.
• The valid right to work in New Zealand.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture

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 $125,926 and $139,459 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

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

Applications for this role close just before midnight on Monday 26 October 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.