Principal Advisor | Entity Performance

About the Role

Join MBIE as a Principal Advisor to lead the governance and performance oversight of Crown entities. This critical role involves steering complex and high-profile accountability initiatives, providing expert guidance on organizational performance, financial health, strategic planning, governance, capability, and investment risks. You will act as a pivotal liaison connecting policy, ownership, funding, and delivery dimensions while collaborating with senior leaders and Ministers to define and assess strategic outcomes and performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage performance monitoring and support governance across diverse Crown entities including regulators, delivery agencies, and Crown companies.
• Establish and nurture trusted relationships with Ministers’ offices, Board members, senior executives, MBIE teams, Crown entities, and public sector partners.
• Oversee active initiatives such as mergers, disestablishments, major business cases, investigations, and performance reviews.
• Ensure monitored entities are well-governed, financially sustainable, aligned with desired outcomes, and accountable for delivering value to New Zealanders.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in economics, finance, investment, strategy, performance monitoring, policy, or similar fields.
• Strong commercial insight and financial literacy.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and building credibility across a wide range of contacts.
• Ability to navigate uncertainty and produce high-quality advice on complex matters.
• Strategic thinker skilled in framework development and systems management.
• Excellent oral and written communication with a strong customer service orientation.
• Knowledge of data analytics, data systems, and frameworks.
• Leadership capabilities including coaching, team development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Understanding of government processes including decision-making, Cabinet protocols, legislation development, parliamentary procedures, accountability, and reporting.
• A tertiary qualification in economics, finance, law, commerce, science, public policy, or a related field.
• Legal entitlement to live and work in New Zealand at the time of application.

Why MBIE?

• Work on meaningful projects that impact New Zealand's future and contribute to economic resilience and quality of life.
• Lead high-profile initiatives collaborating with experienced professionals, senior leaders, and Crown entities.
• Enjoy a flexible, supportive workplace committed to wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Access professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

About MBIE

MBIE aims to build a resilient, high-performing economy that enhances quality of life for all New Zealanders. We foster business productivity, improve job accessibility, and support affordable housing, guided by values of collaboration, courage, future-building, and integrity. Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi ensures meaningful partnerships with Māori and iwi to advance economic and social development.