Policy Director Mental Health, Addiction and Suicide Prevention

• High-impact role for a seasoned policy leader shaping system-wide direction
• Lead, deliver and support priority programmes of work in mental health, addiction and suicide prevention
• Build influence, strong relationships, and represent the Ministry across government and in the health sector
• Midpoint of $200,154 dependent on experience

Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do

This position has come about as part of a deliberate strategy to deepen policy expertise and lift policy leadership across the Ministry of Health. This is a senior, high‑influence role for an experienced policy leader who brings both depth and breadth of government experience and for someone who is ready to shape system direction at scale.

The position reports to the Group Manager, Mental Health, Addiction, and Suicide Prevention, Strategy and Policy and is a member of the Mental Health, Addiction, and Suicide Prevention leadership team.

This role provides strategic policy leadership within the Public Health Agency and Mental Health Group across mental health, addiction, and suicide prevention. You will bring strong experience in health or social policy design, with sector knowledge and experience in mental health an advantage.

• Support the Group Manager and Associate Deputy Director-General to drive strategic policy direction and ensure coherence across teams, and work programmes,
• Provide trusted advice and thought leadership to a range of key stakeholders, including Ministers, DDGs and senior leaders on complex, sensitive, and high‑risk policy issues,
• Strengthen policy stewardship and capability, supporting continuous improvement in policy frameworks, skills, and practice in alignment with the approach across the Ministry,
• Lead and deliver priority programmes of work, applying strategic and tactical leadership to achieve results through high‑quality policy advice,
• Build influence and strong relationships, representing the Ministry across government and external forums while modelling the Ministry’s values and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring

• A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) with deep expertise in public policy and strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, and political environments.
• Extensive senior policy leadership experience, in central government, advising on complex policy issues, setting strategic direction and influencing policy agendas at a portfolio and system level.
• Proven ability to operate at the political interface, managing risk, complexity, and sensitive issues with sound judgement and governance discipline.
• Exceptional communication, relationship‑building, and influencing skills, with the credibility to represent the Ministry in high‑level forums and across government.
• Strategic, innovative, and values‑led leadership, with a strong commitment to equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, capability development, and leading through change.
• Knowledge of the mental health, addiction and suicide prevention system is preferred

Ngā hua o tō mātou whare - What we bring

Discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We're not just a workplace; we're a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, we value the authentic ‘you’, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible.

Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply 

Applications close at midnight on Monday 5 October 2026

Please note: You must be based in Wellington and have permanent NZ working rights to be eligible for this position.

We are not receiving recruitment agency submissions at this time.

Click here to view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website to apply. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz.