

In this influential executive role, you will lead Disability Support Services to deliver fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable supports across Aotearoa New Zealand making a tangible difference for disabled people, their whānau and carers.
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.
We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.
We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
As Deputy Chief Executive, DSS, you will set the overall strategic direction and oversee the performance and operational delivery of disability support services for around 50,000 disabled people and their whānau and for the commissioning of over $2.5b disability support services annually.
As a member of the MSD Leadership Team, you will help drive the Ministry’s strategy and work collaboratively across MSD and government to strengthen how DSS operates.
You’ll embed robust performance monitoring, delivering value for money, and leading transformation that improves consistency, fairness and transparency across the disability system.
Key responsibilities include:
We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
We’re looking for an experienced executive leader with the credibility, strategic capability and relationship skills to lead in a complex environment and deliver better outcomes for disabled people, their whānau and carers. You will bring:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Deputy Chief Executive – Disability Support Services, position description.
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 and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
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.
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, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact bridget.cooksley005@msd.govt.nz
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 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.