Principal Advisor – M365

Principal Advisor – M365

Digital Services Team, Te Iho | Public Service Commission

Wellington

Fixed Term to end of June 2027

Salary Range: $131,082 to $182,923

About the role

Lead the future of our digital workplace.

We're looking for a visionary Principal Advisor (Microsoft 365) to shape and drive the strategic direction of our enterprise digital platforms. In this senior role, you will provide expert leadership across Microsoft 365, Azure, Power Platform, and other key cloud technologies that enable our people to work smarter, faster, and more securely.

About you

As our Principal Advisor, you will:

• Take ownership of the M365 environment, developing a clear understanding of its current state, strengths, gaps, and risks.

• Define what “good” looks like for PSC's M365 and cloud platforms, setting the technical direction for M365 and cloud platforms to ensure they're secure, scalable, governed, and aligned with organisational needs.

• Identify and prioritise improvements, turning assessments and insights into practical uplift plans and sequenced work.

• Lead delivery of change, either hands‑on where appropriate or by directing vendors and partners, ensuring work is well scoped, well governed, and delivers real outcomes.

• Provide architectural and technical leadership, guiding solution design, configuration choices, and platform patterns so changes are consistent, sustainable, and aligned to PSC needs.

• Provide hands-on architectural and technical oversight, working closely with Digital Services, business stakeholders, and delivery partners to ensure high‑quality, consistent outcomes.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who is both strategic and delivery‑oriented, with:

• Strong expertise across Microsoft 365, Azure, and Power Platform.

• The ability to assess complex environments, identify what needs to change, and confidently set direction.

• Experience leading technical uplift work, including managing and directing vendors and delivery partners.

• A pragmatic mindset—able to balance governance and risk with getting things done.

• A hands‑on approach when needed, comfortable stepping in to configure, adjust, or resolve issues to keep work moving.

• A genuine drive to improve modern workplace platforms and leave them better than you found them.

About Us

Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission leads the public sector to make a positive difference for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

This position sits within the Enabling Service / Digital Services Team. This is your opportunity to take a pivotal role in shaping the future of our digital ecosystem. You'll operate as a trusted advisor, influencing major technology decisions and ensuring our platforms deliver real value to the people who rely on them every day.

For more information about our role and purpose, visit our website at www.publicservice.govt.nz.

Important Information

We are committed to building a talented and inclusive Public Service through a recruitment approach focussed on merit. We value diverse experiences, perspectives and skills that strengthen our ability to deliver for the Public Service. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage people to be their authentic selves at work. Talk to us about what flexible work arrangements might work for both you and us.

Salary

The full salary range for the band is $131,082 to $182,923. We typically look to appoint to role between $131,082 to $160,705, depending on skills and experience.

How to apply:

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Milica Zivanovic, Chief Information Officer ([email protected])

In your cover letter we'd like to know:

• about you and your values

• your interest and motivations for this role

• the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you would bring to the role and our organisation.

Requirements

To be appointed to this position, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance you must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, your application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool (http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool) to self-check your eligibility for a clearance. Please note that this tool is indicative only, and initiation of a  formal security clearance will be undertaken prior to any appointment.  

Please note that all applicants are required to apply via jobs.govt.nz. You will need a RealMe account to apply.

If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Te Kawa Mataaho. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information.

If you have any login issues, please contact [email protected] immediately for support. 

Please submit your application by or on: 5/04/2026