Job Description
Interim National Manager, People Operations
Wellington | Contract to 30 June 2026
He Angitūtanga | The opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced People Operations leader to step into a senior interim contract role within a fast‑paced public sector organisation, providing continuity and confident operational leadership through to 30 June 2026.
This is a critical leadership role with oversight of HR systems, people reporting and analytics, recruitment operations combined with a strong payroll focus.
You’ll join at a key point in time, ensuring business‑as‑usual delivery remains stable while supporting a significant payroll/HRIS platform replacement programme.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
Reporting within the People function, you will:
Lead a directorate with 3 direct reports
Be accountable for the timely, high‑quality delivery of high‑volume people services across:
- Payroll
- HRIS administration and support
- People reporting and analytics
- Recruitment operations
- Provide calm, pragmatic leadership in a complex, high‑volume environment
- Maintain payroll accuracy, controls and stakeholder confidence
- Partner closely with the permanent role holder, who is seconded as Business Owner for the payroll/HRIS replacement programme
- Support and de‑risk the system replacement from an operational perspective, including BAU impacts, readiness, data, cutover and stabilisation
He kōrero mōu | About you
This role will suit a senior contractor who is comfortable operating at pace and exercising sound judgement in a public sector context. You’ll bring:
- Confidence managing high‑volume operational teams and competing priorities
- Significant experience leading payroll and people operations functions
- Preference for someone who has led through the replacement of payroll/HRIS technology platforms and all the challenges that come with that
- Solid understanding of HRIS environments and people data integrity
- Strong stakeholder management skills and a clear, practical communication style
- A pragmatic, BAU‑first mindset with the ability to balance operational stability and change activity
- Public sector experience (or experience in similarly complex, regulated environments) is highly desirable
Tono mai | How to apply
For a confidential kōrero, or to express interest, please contact:
Maria Lyons – Senior Consultant, Niche Recruitment
P: 021 403 855
E: maria.lyons@nicherecruitment.co.nz