FinOps Platform Specialist | Permanent | Wellington

* Drive visibility and accountability for cloud costs across teams
* Align engineering, finance, and operations to shared cost objectives
* Implement best‑practice optimisation to improve efficiency and governance

Bridge traditional IT capacity planning with modern cloud financial operations to drive cost transparency, governance, and value.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.
Information Systems & Technology (IST) provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.
We're driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. IST is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
You'll lead practices that enhance cloud cost transparency and efficiency across the organisation.
Working tactically and collaboratively, you'll turn data into decision‑ready insights and embed FinOps disciplines that optimise platform usage and spend.
Key responsibilities include:

* Track and analyse usage to ensure alignment with financial forecasts; identify trends, forecast consumption, and adjust budgets for cost efficiency.
* Partner with platform and cloud engineers to uncover inefficiencies and implement savings (rightsizing, removing unused assets, leveraging reservations).
* Produce detailed reports that clearly break down spend and usage, giving stakeholders actionable insights for budgeting and resource optimisation.
* Enable modern capacity planning using auto‑scaling, serverless, and container orchestration to match demand efficiently.
* Implement robust tagging frameworks so costs are accurately attributed to teams, projects, or departments.
* Embed governance and continuous improvement—establish reporting cadences, KPIs, and feedback loops that sustain FinOps practices over time.

We're committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

* Experience combining capacity planning and FinOps to improve cost control.
* Skilled in forecasting, budgeting, and data-driven analysis.
* Practical knowledge of cloud cost optimization (rightsizing, reservations, waste reduction).
* Familiarity with auto-scaling, serverless, and container technologies.
* Proven ability to turn data into clear, actionable reports and insights.
* Strong communication skills particularly in stakeholder management such as engineering, finance, and operations teams.
* Proven leadership qualities to set standards, manage risk, and drive change.
* Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to finds root causes and deliver effective solutions.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. FinOps Platform Specialist position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,846.00 - $125,998.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 25 January 2026.
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai:
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.