Practice Manager - Architecture | Wellington | Permanent
About this role
- Shape the future architecture workforce through capability development, talent growth and succession planning.
- Drive professional excellence, architecture standards and community leadership across a diverse architecture profession.
- Partner with senior technology leaders to align architecture capability with MSD's strategic priorities and transformation goals.
- Influence outcomes that support the delivery of critical services relied upon by more than one million New Zealanders.
This is an opportunity to shape more than architecture. You'll help shape the future of one of New Zealand's largest technology organisations.
About our team | Mō te tīma
Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.
Our Technology group provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.
We’re driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. The group is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As Practice Manager Architecture, you will lead the development and performance of MSD's Architecture practice. Reporting to the General Manager Practice and Capability Development, you'll be responsible for growing a high-performing community of architecture professionals, providing strategic leadership across capability development, workforce planning, talent management and professional practice excellence.
You’ll ensure architects across the practice have the skills, tools, frameworks and support required to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes while supporting MSD's Technology Strategy.
Working closely with delivery leaders and stakeholders, you will help shape the future workforce, strengthen capability pathways, and foster a collaborative and high-performing architecture community.
This role is a permanent, full time opportunity and is based in our Wellington National office.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and grow MSD's Architecture practice, setting the strategic direction for capability development, professional standards and ways of working.
- Provide leadership and coaching to Practice Leads and architecture professionals, fostering a high-performing, engaged and future-focused community of practice.
- Develop and implement workforce and capability strategies to ensure MSD has the architecture expertise required to meet current and future organisational priorities.
- Partner with senior leaders across the Technology Group to align architecture capability, resourcing and talent investment with business and technology outcomes.
- Champion architecture excellence by establishing, evolving and embedding practice standards, quality expectations, development pathways and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Build strong internal and external relationships, leveraging industry insights and emerging trends to strengthen MSD's architecture capability and influence strategic decision-making.
We’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
We're looking for an experienced leader who is passionate about building great practices, someone who enjoys developing capability, strengthening technical standards, and creating an environment where architects can do their best work. You’ll also bring:
- Extensive experience leading architecture functions, practices or communities within large, complex technology environments, with broad knowledge across enterprise, solution and technology architecture disciplines.
- Demonstrated success building, leading and developing high-performing architecture teams and professional communities.
- Strong understanding of architecture governance, standards, quality practices and modern ways of working that enable consistent and effective delivery.
- Experience developing and implementing capability, workforce and succession strategies that strengthen organisational capability and support future technology needs.
- Proven ability to mentor and coach leadership skills, creating clear pathways for growth and career progression.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, build trust and partner effectively with senior leaders and technical specialists.
- Demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into practical capability initiatives, workforce plans and measurable organisational outcomes.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Practice Manager position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $163,784.00 - $203,820.00
We expect to appoint this position up to $186,532 however a salary offer will be based on the preferred candidate’s skills and experience and our team relativities.
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 23 August 2026.
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
Company at a glance
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Come and join us at MSD. We help New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.
Our work touches the lives of more than one million New Zealanders. This is not work we do alone. We work closely with other government agencies, non-government organisations, advisory and industry groups, and communities and iwi. Together we aim to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of New Zealanders.
You can have a long-term and progressive career at MSD across New Zealand. We have professionals operating in over 300 locations, so whether you’re a Policy Analyst based in Wellington or a Case Manager located in Timaru, we have opportunities for you.
Because of our size and diversity we offer varied careers in:
- Policy, including research and evaluation
- Corporate support, like IT, Finance, Human Resources and Legal Services
- Service delivery through Work and Income; and Students, Seniors and Integrity Services
To view our current vacancies please visit: https://msdcareers.msd.govt.nz
Vacancies are regularly updated, but to stay ahead of the game, register your interest in hearing about all advertised opportunities with the Ministry by setting up a job seeker profile with us and receiving job alerts.
Top Benefits
- Supportive and inclusive working environment
- Professional development opportunities
- Career progression pathways
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