Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Melanie Sargent

Wellington,Wairarapa

Summary

Dynamic policy leader with a proven track record excelling in leading teams to deliver fast paced, complex policy projects and quality advice to government. Results-driven people leader with proven ability to lead teams to success. Strong focus on team collaboration, efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes. Adept at strategic planning and fostering culture of accountability and excellence. Known for adaptability and consistently meeting changing organizational needs. Skilled in implementing strategic initiatives that required a demonstrated ability in problem-solving and decision-making.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Manager - Strategic Policy

Te Arawhiti and Te Puni Kōkiri
06.2023 - Current
  • Experience providing thought leadership and leading teams through the design and implementation of work programmes
  • Experience leading the delivery of complex, high profile policy projects through a strengths-based approach, values based team building and problem solving
  • Led, managed and motivated team members to work collectively to deliver products on time
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees
  • Led team planning and navigating team members through tight deadlines and uncertainty
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiative
  • Developed a team culture focused on collaboration and collective problem solving
  • Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders for the public service
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention
  • Launched quality assurance practices
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members

Policy Professional With Over 20 Years Experience

Te Puni Kōkiri
01.2000 - Current
  • Experienced people leader and policy professional who has worked at both national level single issue agencies, central agencies and in the regions.
  • Agencies include the Ministry of Health (12 years), Ministry of Education (6 years), Te Arawhiti (2 years) and secondments at DPMC and the Crown Response Unit for the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in State Care.
  • People leader with three years' experience including building teams and managing through change and uncertainty. I enjoy leading teams, working collectively, inspiring staff to grow and delivering quality products on time.
  • Dedicated to growing the public service workforce and the facilitation of learning on the job experiences for team members in more junior roles.
  • Policy experience also includes leading and contributing to development of a range of national strategic frameworks, evidence reports, guidance resources.
  • Experience also includes leading development of funding models, service design, DHB Health Literacy environments tool, engagement planning and roadmaps. As well as providing policy advice to government across a range of social sector issues.
  • Demonstrated evidence-based policy practise balanced with 'insights' from people impacted by policy proposals.
  • Personal style is to be self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility. I have a proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.

Academic - Senior Lecturer and Junior Researcher

University of Otago, Christchurch Medical School and the Dunedin School of Preventive and Social Medicine
01.1997 - 12.2000
  • Worked with the Injury Prevention Research Unit and the Ngai Tahu Māori Health Research Centre to deliver publications in the NZMJ and for technical reports
  • Delivered post-graduate courses and lectures to adults at the Christchurch Medical School, University of Otago, Masters in Public Health Programme

Education

Bachelors of Psychology And Education - Masters of Public Health

University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ
12-2004

Leadership Training
Wellington

Skills

  • Team leadership and management
  • Strengths based leadership style with a values based approach to team work
  • Strategic and project planning
  • Work planning and prioritization
  • Cross-functional teamwork
  • Relationship building
  • Staff development and performance management
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Conflict resolution and risk management
  • Budget and resourcing management
  • Change management
  • Positive attitude
  • Decision-making and complex problem solving

Timeline

Manager - Strategic Policy

Te Arawhiti and Te Puni Kōkiri
06.2023 - Current

Policy Professional With Over 20 Years Experience

Te Puni Kōkiri
01.2000 - Current

Academic - Senior Lecturer and Junior Researcher

University of Otago, Christchurch Medical School and the Dunedin School of Preventive and Social Medicine
01.1997 - 12.2000

Leadership Training

Bachelors of Psychology And Education - Masters of Public Health

University of Otago

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Melanie Sargent