Team Leader, Payroll

About the role

Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development, is recruiting a Team Leader, Payroll (Manukura, Utu Kaimahi) within its People, Capability and Culture directorate. The role reports to the General Manager, People, Capability & Culture and covers payroll services, payroll-related employment compliance and the strategic development of payroll and HR information systems. The appointment range is $124,242 - $138,046 depending on skills and experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a small operational team of Payroll Advisors and ensure accurate, compliant payroll services
• Drive the strategic development of payroll and HR information systems across the organisation
• Prepare the organisation for the Employment Leave Act 2026 and lead HRIS improvements
• Integrate payroll systems with recruitment, finance and other business functions
• Partner with senior leaders to give trusted advice, manage operational and programme risks and improve the employee experience

Required profile

• Significant payroll experience, including leading a payroll function
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand payroll, tax, employment, holidays and leave legislation
• Experience delivering complex legislative, system, policy or organisational change programmes
• Comfortable stepping into the operational work and supporting the team as needed
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• A credit check is required

Required skills

• Ideally experience with MYOB/PayGlobal
• Experience leading payroll/HRIS system enhancements, automation or integration projects

What we offer

• Allowances including childcare, optical, wellbeing and te reo Māori proficiency
• Medical insurance discounts
• Flexible working options
• In-house te reo Māori training
• Staff development, career options and study assistance
• Enhanced parental leave provisions

Applications are submitted online and close on 22 November at 11:55 pm.