_{13th April, 2026}

Interim National Manager, People Operations
Wellington | 10-12 month fixed term contract

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 for a 10–12-month period.

This is a critical leadership role with oversight of HR systems, people reporting and analytics, recruitment operations and a significant payroll focus.
You’ll join at a key point in time, ensuring business‑as‑usual delivery remains stable while also providing support and leadership through 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
021 403 855
maria.lyons@nicherecruitment.co.nz

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