Chief of Staff to the Governor

CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE GOVERNOR

Help shape the future of New Zealand’s central bank as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of the Reserve Bank - Te Pūtea Matua.

This newly created role sits at the centre of the Bank’s leadership system. It offers a rare opportunity to work directly with the Governor and partner with the Executive Leadership Team as the Bank strengthens leadership focus, enterprise coordination and organisational alignment. You will bring clarity to complexity, connect priorities across the Bank and help turn executive decisions into coordinated action. You will also play a defining role in shaping the future Governor’s Office and its operating model.

Te tūranga – The role

As Chief of Staff, you will be a trusted strategic adviser to the Governor and a key partner to the Executive Leadership Team. The role does not hold a formal operational portfolio.  Instead, you will operate through strategic leadership, co-ordination and influence, connecting priorities, people and decisions to support stronger organisational outcomes. Your influence will come from credibility, judgement, relationships and an ability to build alignment and momentum.

In this role, you'll:

• Partner closely with the Governor and ELT to support leadership effectiveness and the delivery of strategic priorities.
• Promote coordination, alignment and collaboration across Te Pūtea Matua.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement priorities across Ministers, government agencies, regulated entities, industry leaders, international partners and other key stakeholders.
• Help design and establish the future operating model and ways of working for the Governor's Office.
• Support high-quality executive decision-making through strategic advice, analysis, briefing and planning.
• Oversee and strengthen key executive governance processes, ensuring actions and strategic commitments are effectively coordinated and followed through.
• Monitor organisational delivery against strategic priorities, identifying emerging risks, opportunities and interdependencies.
• Lead or coordinate enterprise-wide initiatives, reviews and strategic projects on behalf of the Governor and the ELT.

Ō pūkenga – About you

You may currently be working as a Chief of Staff, or in a senior strategic, advisory or leadership role that requires influence at the highest levels. We are open to different backgrounds; what matters most is your standing, relationships and ability to make things happen in New Zealand’s complex public and political environment.

You'll bring:

• Substantial experience operating at executive, board, ministerial or equivalent senior decision-making level.
• Experience advising and supporting chief executives, governors, ministers, boards or other senior leaders.
• A strong understanding of New Zealand's public sector, machinery of government, regulatory environment and stakeholder landscape.
• Established relationships and credibility across relevant New Zealand public sector, business community and political networks.
• A strong record of influencing outcomes across organisational boundaries and senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading complex strategic initiatives, organisational change or cross-functional programmes.
• Exceptional judgement, discretion and political awareness, alongside outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori.

Wellington is the preferred location for this role. Exceptional Auckland-based candidates who bring strong connectivity across New Zealand's government and stakeholder environment will also be considered.

The successful candidate must hold, or be eligible to obtain and maintain, the appropriate level of New Zealand National Security Clearance.

The anticipated appointment range for this role is $272,731 to $318,186 (actual salary will be dependent on your skills and experience).

Ko wai mātou – Who we are

We are New Zealand’s central bank. As a full-service central bank, we focus on delivering on our core mandate: monetary policy, financial stability, cash stewardship and payments. We're kaitiaki (guardians) of New Zealand's financial ecosystem, contributing to economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders. It is our role to deliver on low and stable inflation, financial stability and safe banking, and a safe and efficient payment system.

We do all we can to support a sustainable, productive and efficient economy built on integrity, innovation and inclusion. We're building diversity and inclusion into everything we do. Our differences seed our innovation and help us deliver our best work, reflective of the needs of society. We welcome and value knowledge of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti and Tikanga.

Ngā painga – What we can offer you

The Reserve Bank - Te Pūtea Matua has so much to offer. From flexible working to an inclusive and positive workplace culture, our benefits include five weeks' annual leave, additional leave options, a wellness package, generous parental leave provisions, learning and development opportunities, and access to numerous social, networking and sporting activities.

Find more information at www.rbnz.govt.nz/careers/our-benefits

Kōrero tāpiri – Additional information

We welcome all people and we want everyone to be able to equitably participate in our recruitment process. Get in touch with us if there are any barriers to you applying, or if you have access needs and require support or adjustments: recruitment@rbnz.govt.nz

Me pēhea te tuku tono – Interested?

If you are motivated by influence, impact and the opportunity to help shape the future Governor's Office, we would welcome your application. Check out the job description or this role or email recruitment@rbnz.govt.nz for more information. You can also contact us if you need any accessibility support to apply for this role.

Applications for this role close at midnight on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Please include a cover letter outlining why you think you’ll be a great fit for the role. Whilst acknowledging the growing use of AI, we kindly ask that the information you provide outlines authentically why you think you’ll be a great fit for this role.