Prevention Design Lead

• Lead creative, insight‑driven injury prevention design
• Shape system‑wide collaboration and influence outcomes
• Grow and empower a high‑performing, design team
• Wellington — Permanent
  
   

About us | Mō mātou 

ACC is a trusted and high-performing organisation, providing care, supporting recovery and promoting injury prevention, now and into the future. 

You can find more about ACC and the work we do here.  

About the role | Mō te tūranga mahi

This is a pivotal design leadership role at the centre of ACC’s injury prevention system. As Prevention Design Lead, you will guide the development of high‑quality, user‑centred design solutions that support ACC’s strategic direction and strengthen prevention outcomes across Aotearoa.

The role combines design thinking, behavioural science, evidence, and systems insight to translate data, early concepts, and strategic intent into practical, scalable solutions. You’ll ensure that ACC’s design mahi is inclusive, accessible, impactful, and aligned to both public sector expectations and the needs of diverse communities.

The role sets a strong creative direction, builds cross‑functional collaboration, and establishes trusted partnerships across ACC and the wider injury prevention system. Leadership in this role ensures design strengthens prevention, equity, and effective decision‑making throughout key programmes and initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading creative direction and delivering accessible, user‑centred design solutions.
• Translating insights and research into meaningful concepts that guide prevention initiatives.
• Applying behavioural and equity‑centred design to support cultural and safety change.
• Developing evidence‑based intervention logics and supporting business cases.
• Ensuring design outputs align with strategic goals, performance frameworks, and system engagement needs.
• Building strong internal and external partnerships to support quality decision‑making.
• Leading and developing a high‑performing, collaborative design team.

About you | Mōu

You’re an experienced design leader who can turn complex insights into engaging, effective, and user‑centred solutions. You bring creative leadership, systems thinking, and the ability to work across diverse teams to achieve meaningful prevention outcomes.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Leadership experience delivering high-quality design outputs
• Strong understanding of behavioural design, user‑centred design, and equity‑centred practice.
• Proven ability to translate insights and evidence into practical, actionable design solutions.
• Experience with visual design, experiential design, and/or digital communication.
• Strength in influencing across complex organisations and partnering with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience developing or supporting business cases or intervention logic models.
• Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership in applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in policy, system, or service design.

If you’re motivated by impact, enjoy shaping system‑level change, and want to lead a team doing meaningful work for Aotearoa, this role offers a rare opportunity.

Working at ACC | Mō ACC

At ACC, we embrace the rich tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultures and are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities. We know a diverse and inclusive team helps us meet the needs of our customers, and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. It matters to us that people feel free to be themselves at work.

We offer:
• Employee networks supporting colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible working options to suit your needs and ours.

The indicative salary range for this role is $138,301 – $195,248 depending on skills and experience. ACC also offers a generous 9% employer superannuation contribution.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Applications close 5pm, 10th February 2026. We may begin screening earlier if we find strong candidates. Please apply through the ACC Careers Website and include your CV and cover letter outlining why you’re a great fit. If you encounter accessibility issues or have questions about the role, please email HR Help.