Lead Advisor, Spatial Planning

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Permanent, full-time
• South Island based preferred but not essential for the right candidate

As the Lead Advisor Spatial Planning you will provide high quality advice to influence how we plan and locate education infrastructure investment. This is an exciting senior role within a small national team at the Ministry of Education where you can play an important role in shaping long term planning and land investment for new schools and kura. 

Working at the interface of planning and investment you will bring your design thinking and strategic skills to bear on complex problems related to future investment and growth. You will need to work closely with key external and internal stakeholders to understand influences that effect the scale and pace of growth across the country and help position the Ministry to facilitate high quality educational outcomes.

Salary range: $140,146 - $155,170 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role you will need to have:

• A passion for solving complex problems through interdisciplinary thinking, along with a learning mindset to add new skills and bolster your existing strengths.
• Extensive experience in a central or local government policy environment related to spatial planning.
• Well-developed strategic and critical thinking skills as well as deep analytical capability. This includes the application of decision making in situations of high uncertainty.
• The ability to translate complex situations into succinct recommendations for consideration by non-specialists
• An understanding of urban development along with experience in large scale development and infrastructure projects.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion.

The Spatial Planning team sits within the wider Land Investment and Planning team of School Property Services. We work on spatial planning processes across the country and provide advice on these and other strategic issues both internally and externally to enable high quality outcomes. Blending planning and strategy we ensure the Ministry is set up for success over the long term.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Blair Firmston, Manager Spatial Planning at blair.firmston@education.govt.nz

Applications close midnight – Friday 27 February 2026

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.