Meet our Senior Management Team

Lester Oakes - Chief Executive

There are few things more rewarding than to enable people to make meaningful career decisions. It’s good for them, and good for us all to have people studying and/or working in areas that use their skills, capture their interests and maximise their talents. That’s one of the main reasons that I have led Career Services since 1998; I believe strongly in the work we do.

To sustain myself in the role I have increasingly worked on balancing my job-related responsibilities with a range of non-work activities as I endeavour to model my belief that “long hours at the office are not a badge of honour”.

Susan Kosmala - Deputy Chief Executive/General Manager Service Development

As Deputy Chief Executive, I work closely with our Chief Executive and Board on our strategic direction. My focus is on aligning what we do, how we do it and who we are; making sure that each of these takes us closer to where we want to be.

I lead the Service Development group that was created in 2009. This includes website content and online development, career publications, product and service development and building the information and evidence base. In a nut-shell, our role is to initiate, shape and continuously enhance products and services across all delivery channels based on client needs and a strong evidence base.

At the heart of Career Services is our focus on helping people realise their potential, either through the services we offer or through working here. I believe that there is a lot to be gained individually, as an organisation and nationally through people being engaged, happy and maximising their strengths.

Janet Brown - General Manager Operations

I’ve been in this role since September 2005.  If you have any personal contact with Career Services – by phone, email, text or face-to-face – that’s my area.

It’s my job to ensure that our day-to-day service delivery gets the best outcomes for our clients now and in the future, and represents value for money for Government.  I’m out in our regional offices often, catching up on what’s happening for our staff and the people and organisations we work with.

I particularly appreciate the whole-of-life perspective Career Services takes with clients and also its staff. Outside work life’s just as busy, enjoying family and friends, gardening, music and travel.

Jay Lamburn – General Manager Corporate Services

I started working at Career Services in December 2009. I look after human resources, finance, strategy and planning, marketing and communications and national office administration. Each of these areas is staffed by a small team of hard-working professionals, committed to providing a high-quality, cost-effective service.

I was attracted to Career Services by its reputation both as a great place to work, and as a well-run, well-led organisation.  I’m also impressed with our enviable international reputation.

Spending time with my partner, family and friends, and walking the hills of Wellington with our young dog provide balance to my working life.

Craig Le Quesne - General Manager Information Systems

I have been in this role since September 2005. Prior to that, I had a long involvement with the production of careers information at Career Services. My current role oversees the strategic direction and delivery of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

I enjoy my job at Career Services because it allows me to combine my interests of computing and careers. I can be working on a range of activities, from dealing with our ICT strategic plan to working with other government agencies and industry representatives on issues such as skill shortages in the ICT industry.

Outside of work my focus is on my young family, coaching rugby and following sport whenever possible.

Linnae Pohatu - Te Pouārahi/General Manager Māori

Tēna koutou. Ko Ngāti Porou, Ngai Tahu, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki me Ngai Tāmanuhiri ōku iwi.

I have been in this role since 2004. My career path to this great organisation has involved parliamentary support and policy roles in core government and state sector organisations.

I am responsible for ensuring Career Services meets the diverse needs of Māori and Pasifika through helping with effective work and learning decision making. There is nothing more powerful than seeing people who have made a match between who they are, the life they want to lead, and discovering what they need to do to get there.

I am energised in my work because I know I am valued by my colleagues and staff at Career Services.

I am sustained by the humour and great company of my whānau, other relations and friends, which is accompanied by ‘soul food’ prepared with love. I enjoy being entertained by theatre, dance (ballet or kapa haka), movies and music concerts that are a treat for the eyes, ears and mind!

"He waka kore hoe, he tangata kore huarahi."
"A person without a pathway is like a canoe without a paddle."