- Lead the implementation of a new national engagement model
- Build and embed a high-performing Engagement Specialist function
- Drive change, capability and consistency across WorkSafe
- Fixed-term opportunity with significant organisational impact
About Us
He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
Hello, Kia ora, Noa’ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō ni, Kia orana, nǐ hǎo, Kamusta.
WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi comes home healthy and safe. We live by our values:
- Whakakotahi – we are united in a strong purpose
- Kōrero mai – we engage meaningfully
- Tiakina mai – we are entrusted with a duty of care
About your team / Ko te tīma
This role sits within WorkSafe's Operations group and will lead the implementation of a new Engagement Specialist function. Working closely with Regional and Area Managers, the Stakeholder Partnering and Management team, and engagement specialists across the country, you'll help establish a connected operating model that strengthens how WorkSafe engages with communities, businesses and stakeholders.
About the role / Ō te tūranga
As Implementation Lead, you will be responsible for establishing and embedding a new Engagement Specialist function across WorkSafe. Over a 12-month fixed term, you'll lead a nationally distributed team while designing and implementing the operating model, ways of working, governance and accountabilities required to support long-term success. This role is as much about people and change leadership as it is implementation, ensuring engagement specialists, operational leaders and stakeholders are supported through the transition and set up for the future.
What You'll Do/ Ko tōu ake mahi
- Lead the implementation of the Engagement Specialist function
- Establish sustainable operating practices, governance and workflows
- Support and develop Engagement Specialists through organisational change
- Build strong relationships with regional leaders, managers and stakeholders
- Clarify accountabilities, expectations and ways of working
- Identify implementation challenges and create practical solutions
- Prepare the model for transition into future reporting arrangements
What You'll Bring / Ko ngā pukenga ōu
- Experience implementing operating models, functions or organisational change initiatives
- Strong people leadership and capability-building skills
- Experience leading teams through transition and uncertainty
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability
- Ability to influence across multiple groups and build alignment
- Strong implementation, project delivery and change leadership experience
- A collaborative approach focused on bringing people with you through change
Salary range / Awhe utu
The expected appointment base salary for this role is $168,932. KiwiSaver or SSRSS employer contributions are additional.
From 1 April 2026, our KiwiSaver employer contribution increased to 3.5%.
We offer a range of benefits including:
- Free life insurance for the duration of your employment
- 5 weeks annual leave
- 15 days sick leave
- A Reward and Recognition Framework that celebrates the impact our kaimahi make – your mahi matters
- Professional development opportunities
- Employee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women’s and Tū Rangatira Māori Network)
Location
Wellington is preferred, reflecting where much of the organisation’s planning, implementation and business design activity is based. Other locations would be considered for a suitable candidate who is comfortable with regular travel and investing time in building relationships across the organisation.
How to apply / Me pēhea te tono
Click Apply and upload your CV and cover letter.
As we recruit for the permanent position, we are also looking for someone to undertake a three-month secondment (internal or interagency). If you are interested in an acting opportunity, please let us know as part of your application
AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don’t let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.
WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. We believe different perspectives strengthen our mahi and help create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
If you encounter accessibility barriers in completing the application or require adjustments or support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you, contact worksafe@inside.co.nz for a confidential kōrero.
This vacancy has been established as part of changes to WorkSafe's organisational structure after a review of WorkSafe's operating model identified opportunities to improve role clarity, ways of working and organisational effectiveness. As part of these changes, WorkSafe has established a number of new roles to ensure we are well placed to meet expectations now and in the future.
Applications close: 5pm, 17th September, 2026.
