Job title: Interim National Manager People Operations (Contract)
Job type: Contract
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: AoG Participating Agency
Functional Expertise: Human Resources
Skills: people operations payroll manager HR Manager HR Operations People and Capability Manager
Pay interval: Hourly
Location: Wellington, NZ
Job published: 26-03-2026
Job ID: 51127

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