Service Manager

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

This is a fixed term, Parental leave cover position.

You will lead and work with a committed professional team delivering a range of Learning Support services to tamariki and rangatahi. You and your team will work with whānau, communities, early childhood providers/Kōhanga Reo, schools/kura, Kura Kaupapa Māori and other Māori Medium settings to strengthen inclusive practices, raise student achievement and deliver on communities' aspirations.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and manage workload and resource issues.
• A collaborative approach within the context of the Learning Support Delivery Model to achieve positive outcomes that draw on the combined resources and expertise of the sector, services, and wider community.
• The ability to strengthen sector responses to neurodiversity and a wide range of learning support needs.
• Experience at influencing and leading innovation, people, programmes, and change.
• Skills in assessing needs, risks, and performance issues and address gaps proactively.
• An ability to develop strong integrated connections and networks across the Ministry, local education providers, iwi, communities and whānau to achieve educational priorities for the region.
• The capacity to follow through on complex or sensitive tasks and issues.

Salary range: $120,193 - $139,091 per annum + 3% kiwi saver.  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

We’re looking for a person with the ability to interpret and use data to inform decisions and to monitor and report on outcomes.

You will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and its implications for the work of the Ministry of Education especially in matters relating to Māori development and the partnership values that flow from the Treaty.

You will also demonstrate:

• Confidence and competence in Te Reo Māori me ona tikanga and be able to weave this expertise into the work of Learning Support
• An ability to broker support from across the Ministry and other agencies to deliver joined up work programmes tailored to local needs.
• Significant experience and the ability to work effectively across and in Māori Medium settings (e.g., both early childhood and Kura)
• A relevant tertiary qualification and current full driver's licence
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau.

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 Pene Abbie at pene.abbie@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 08 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.