Strategic Advisor

About this role

• Support in shaping a new group at WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru 
• Provide trusted strategic advice to a new DCE 
• Ideal for an experienced Strategic Advisor 
• Lead, coach & support the Group Coordinator
• Permanent position at any WorkSafe location 
• Expected appointment base salary range: $152,761 - $168,932   

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

Enterprise Planning and Implementation is a new group established at WorkSafe to strengthen planning, coordination, and implementation across the organisation, particularly to improve how work is prioritised, sequenced, and supported through to delivery.

This is an opportunity to help establish the group's operating rhythm from the outset, bringing clarity, structure and strategic focus as the new Deputy Chief Executive and leadership team come together.

About the role / Ō te tūranga 

As Strategic Advisor, you will provide senior-level advice and coordination to the Deputy Chief Executive Enterprise Planning and Implementation and the group leadership team. You will help align group plans, priorities and work programmes with WorkSafe's organisational strategy, provide clear visibility of performance and delivery, and support decision-making on complex, cross-cutting matters. You will also provide leadership, support and coach the Group Coordinator.

This is not a developing Strategic Advisor role. We are looking for someone who brings strong strategic advisory experience, sound judgement, and confidence operating with executive leaders in a complex organisation. It will suit someone who enjoys ambiguity, can create order and momentum, and is energised by the opportunity to help build something new.

What You'll Do/ Ko tōu ake mahi  

• Lead, support & coach the Group Coordinator
• Advise the DCE and leadership team on priorities, risks and delivery
• Align group plans and work programmes with organisational strategy
• Coordinate leadership rhythms, agendas and forward work
• Produce clear briefings, reports and governance papers
• Connect planning and reporting to show progress, risks and dependencies
• Build relationships across WorkSafe to support alignment and delivery

What You'll Bring / Ko ngā pukenga ōu

• Strong experience providing strategic advice to executive leaders
• Experience aligning strategy, planning, performance and priorities
• Excellent written communication for senior and governance audiences
• Confidence working through ambiguity and building new ways of working
• Ability to influence and connect work across complex organisations
• Public sector, regulatory or central agency experience would be useful

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

Salary range / Awhe utu

The expected appointment base salary is $152,761 - $168,932 (KiwiSaver/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 
• Health insurance & eyecare discounts 
• $400 home workstation contribution 
• 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 as well as Enabled Network and Multi – Ethnic Network.)

How to apply / Me pēhea te tono

Click Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter.

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.
 
Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.

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 careers@worksafe.govt.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. Kaimahi whose roles were affected by the structure change will be given preference for all vacancies and will be considered in the first instance.  

Applications close: 11.59pm, Sunday 13 September 2026