Job Description
New Zealand Police is working with the community to make New Zealanders be safe and feel safe.
With over 13,000 staff, we provide policing services 24 hours a day, every day.
We operate by land, sea and air, manage over 860,000 emergency calls a year and are always actively preventing crime and crashes.
We’re working towards specific goals and targets that highlight our intent to work collaboratively with iwi and communities, other government sectors and business partners to deliver ‘Our Business’ and achieve long-term change.
Practice Lead – Systems and Change, Wellington!
* Based at Police National Headquarters * Grade 22 * Police Employee * Permanent Full Time * NAV * JR 5564410
E tῡ ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā.
Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
This is a unique opportunity to lead a practice that sits at the intersection of people, technology, and transformation.
You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement - all in service of supporting the vital work of New Zealand Police.
We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic leader to take on the role of Practice Lead: Systems and Change within the Policy, Systems and Change team in the People Strategy Group.
This is a pivotal position responsible for leading a high-performing practice that drives the strategic planning and delivery of HR systems, and organisational change initiatives across New Zealand Police.
As the Practice Lead, you will manage the day-to-day operations of the HR Systems and Change Management Practice, ensuring our approach to people, policy, and structural change is forward-thinking, well-resourced, and effectively implemented.
You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team of HR Information System Analysts, Change Management experts, HR Trainer, and temporary resourcing specialists.
Your leadership will guide the development of toolkits, training, and resources that empower delivery teams to embed people policies and manage change with confidence and consistency.
Key Accountabilities:
* Leadership of the Systems and Change Practice, ensuring alignment with the enterprise People Strategy.
* Oversight of HR/ER Projects, providing change and project management expertise across continuous improvement initiatives.
* Supporting delivery partners with the design and implementation of operating model and structural changes across the organisation.
* Ensuring our HR systems are fit-for-purpose, continuously improved, and supported by robust business analysis and training.
* Developing resources and training to embed employment policies across all directorates and workgroups.
He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring
Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others.
We are looking for:
* Proven experience in leading HR systems, change management, or organisational development functions.
* Strong strategic thinking and planning capabilities.
* Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
* Expertise in HRIS, change management methodologies, and policy implementation.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements
* This role is based in the Wellington area.
Some travel will be required
This role is Team Leader level.
You can refer to Indicators for Success for further information on the requirements
To view the position description for this role please copy and paste this link into a new browser:
https://teams.sp.police.govt.nz/pac/od/pd/Documents/People%20Services/Practice%20Lead%20-%20Systems%20and%20Change.pdf
Mo tātou | About us
New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety.
It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country.
Police is the government’s largest front-line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas.
Your development is highly valued at NZ Police.
Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community practice level.
We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways.
The work you’ll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities.
Taken all together, this means we can offer you career path opportunities to progress in your chosen profession and become a more well-rounded, experienced leader, with opportunities across the range of work we support.
To view more detailed information about our recruitment process along with further details about requirements please click below link:
Applicant Information Pack (External)
Tono ināianei | Apply now
If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored CV.
You will be required to submit an application form.
Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which include reference, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.
For further information on the application process, please copy and paste this URL: https://www.police.govt.nz/careers
All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.
All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.
Utu ā-tau | Salary
This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $155,956 and $161,155 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.
If you are an internal applicant, you must apply internally through the police system.
You must provide an alternative contact email address and state your future commitments should you be successful in the next stage of the recruitment process.
Please note: Deadline for applications is 5:00 pm on 4th November 2025 .
Applications may be reviewed prior to the close date as well as contact made with candidates.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of 10th November 2025.
If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact sharleen.peteru@police.govt.nz