• Transform how we organise, lead and set our people up to deliver on our bold strategy, growth and performance aspirations

• Partner closely with executive and senior leaders, and collaborate across the business to deliver meaningful impact

• Enjoy flexible working options, a competitive salary, bonus, comprehensive insurance covers and generous leave benefits

Partners Life is one of New Zealand’s largest life and health insurance companies. As part of the Dai-ichi Life Group, a leading global insurance provider, we are entering an exciting new chapter of growth and opportunity.

We know the industry needs bold thinkers and passionate people to help reshape the future of insurance, and that is exactly who we are looking for. We are committed to doing things differently, lifting industry standards, challenging the status quo, and delivering real value through innovation and personalised advice.

If you are looking to join a company that’s redefining the insurance landscape and backed by the strength of a global group, Partners Life is the place to grow your career and make a real impact.

About the opportunity

We are on an exciting growth journey and are delighted to offer a new opportunity for a motivated Head of Organisational Development (OD) to join our vibrant and friendly People and Culture team. In this highly influential leadership role, you will help shape how we organise, lead and develop our people to deliver strategy and drive sustainable performance.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will lead the organisational development function across talent, performance, engagement, culture, DEI, AI adoption, and learning and development, with a strong focus on leadership capability and effectiveness.

Leading a small team, you will take a human‑centred approach to building and embedding organisational development capability across the business, translating OD thinking into practical initiatives with lasting impact.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and embed enterprise‑wide OD frameworks across the employee lifecycle, including talent, performance, engagement, culture, DEI and L&D.

• Translate business strategy into workforce strategy, capability priorities and effective organisation design.

• Partner with senior leaders to build strong leadership pipelines, succession plans and high‑quality performance and development practices.

• Shape and deliver leadership, executive and capability development that supports future‑ready performance.

• Lead large‑scale, people‑centred change initiatives to support shifts in strategy, structure and ways of working.

• Play a key role in AI adoption from a people and organisational perspective, guiding workforce capability, skills, roles and adoption to enable safe and effective AI‑enabled work

• Lead culture, engagement and DEI stewardship, using employee insight and data to inform decisions and OD priorities.

About you

You are a people-experience focused senior OD professional with a proven track record of delivering enterprise‑wide change initiatives and embedding human‑centred OD frameworks that drive people and business growth. Curious and forward‑thinking, you are passionate about technology and AI, innovation, continuous improvement, and new ways of working to create lasting impact in an ever-evolving business environment.

A natural influencer with strong communication skills, you collaborate effectively across the business and can confidently partner with senior leaders to influence decisions at an executive level. You are equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves to support your team and deliver programmes of work.

To be successful, you will bring:

• Extensive senior‑level organisational development experience, ideally within complex or regulated environments

• A strong track record leading large‑scale, people‑centred change and transformation

• Deep capability across talent, performance, culture, engagement, DEI, learning and leadership development

• A strong interest in future‑focused capability, including the impact of AI on roles, skills and ways of working

• A pragmatic, resilient approach with sound judgement and a strong bias for action

• Experience in financial services or insurance desirable (but not essential)

What We Offer

At Partners Life, we believe our people are our greatest asset and are proud to invest in their growth, wellbeing, and success. Here are just some of the benefits you will enjoy as part of our family (some benefits apply to permanent employees only):

• Comprehensive training and ongoing support

• Genuine career development and progression opportunities

• Participation in our discretionary bonus scheme after 12-month service

• Life insurance and income protection covers at our cost, plus subsidised medical insurance (permanent employees only)

• Birthday leave and long service leave

• Maternity leave salary top up, reduced hours options, and secondary parental leave

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements

• Modern office with stunning ocean views in the centre of Takapuna

Apply now!

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, APPLY online with your CV and cover letter (optional) highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

We are not engaging recruitment agencies for this role.