General Manager Immigration Design and Assurance

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead with impact and help shape the future of New Zealand’s immigration system 
• Ensure immigration policies are operationally deliverable, effectively implemented, and aligned with Government priorities
• Champion integrity and accountability, oversee risk, assurance, and performance frameworks for the Immigration system 
• Wellington based | Permanent Full time position 

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is seeking a strategic and people-focused leader to take on the pivotal role of General Manager, Immigration Design and Assurance. This is a rare opportunity to lead a branch that ensures immigration system changes are designed effectively, implemented successfully, and regulated with integrity.

INZ has achieved significant success in delivering a robust and responsive immigration system that supports New Zealand’s economic and social goals. Building on this strong foundation, the organisation is now ready to evolve its systems, processes, and regulatory frameworks to the next level of sophistication. This role is central to shaping that future—ensuring the immigration system remains world-class, future-ready, and trusted by New Zealanders.

As General Manager, you will lead a high-performing team responsible for:

• Designing operational policy and system changes that align with Government expectations and can be implemented effectively.
• Monitoring and reporting on the performance of the immigration system to ensure it is delivering as intended.
• Overseeing risk management and assurance activities in line with MBIE’s frameworks.
• Ensuring INZ operations adheres to immigration instructions, policies, and procedures.
• You will be a key advisor to senior leaders and Ministers, ensuring INZ plays its part in a trusted, fair, and effective immigration system.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

• Proven track record of senior leadership in the public sector or similarly complex environments
• A strategic, people-focused approach with collaborative and authentic leadership
• Skill in balancing risk with opportunity to support economic growth
• Expertise in risk, assurance, and performance management in high-integrity settings
• Political acumen with the ability to anticipate risk and influence high-level decisions
• Deep understanding of the machinery of government and public sector operations
• A track record of driving continuous improvement, innovation, and a learning culture
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and align teams around a shared vision
• Strong relationship-building skills across government and external stakeholders
• Eligibility for, or ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret national security clearance

At time of application you must be a New Zealand citizen or a hold a Permananet Resident Visa. 

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

Shortlisting will take place from the 11 July with interviews the week of the 21 July 2025.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Emily Boyd at emily.boyd@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17634 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Thursday 10 July 2025 at 11.59pm.