Workplace Manager

Workplace Manager

• Opportunity in a critical role to successfully establish the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in its new Head Office
• Provide strategic leadership of the Ministry’s physical environment and ways of working in its purpose-designed Head Office
• Manage the team responsible for the effective operation of Wellington’s newest, fit for purpose, commercial accommodation.

In February 2026, the Ministry will move to a modern, fit-for-purpose Head Office, and needs an outstanding individual to take ownership of the physical workspace and how our people work within it.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

We are moving to a new, modern, sustainable workplace which

• enables the Ministry’s people to collectively deliver our role and functions, both now and in the future
• supports the well-being of our people
• connects us as a community, and supports collaboration with our external partners
• demonstrates our values and our identity.

The Workplace Manager is a newly created role that will be critical to ensuring the Ministry is able to operate effectively, safely and sustainably in its Head Office, including the provision of services and functions that will enable the Ministry to deliver its current and future roles, provide a strong statement of our New Zealand identity, and achieve our desired ways of working.

The role will be responsible for: -

• Leadership of the Building Operations Team to deliver facilities management, front of house, and on-site event services
• Strategic management of the Head office workplace and assets
• Ownership and leadership of the Ministry’s modern working operating model
• Development and operationalisation of processes, procedures and systems that will sustain service delivery excellence
• Ensuring the effectiveness of on-site health and safety and emergency response operations and systems
• Strategic management of the Head Office workspace, understanding and responding to the Ministry’s changing needs

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.

The full salary range for this role is between $148,123 and $200,401 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint around the midpoint $174,261 –depending on your level of experience.  

 Who are we looking for? - Mā‎ wai te mahi nei?

We’d like to hear from you if you are an experienced leader in workplace management with the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience in the strategic management of large, complex office-based accommodation
• Demonstrated accountability for leadership of workplace and workforce management in a modern and/or activity-based working environment
• Minimum of 10 + years of Property/Facilities Management experience
• Significant experience in managing people/teams and the ability to coach and develop people
• Strong experience in functional representation, stakeholder management, and governance reporting
• Strong understanding of building infrastructure and systems
• Demonstrable experience developing Facilities and/or Asset Management Strategy
• Experience of developing and/or operating asset management and financial programmes to manage workflow
• Understanding of commercial lease arrangements re Tenant obligations (ADLS, Government Standard DOL)
• High level of knowledge of Modern/Activity Based Working principles
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

Why MFAT? - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

About us - Mō mātou

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world. 

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please email mike.letts@mfat.govt.nz

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a New Zealand citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at 6pm on Monday 13th October 2025.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.  

It is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of New Zealand, but from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of those positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.