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

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:

• Lead and support a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to ensure high-quality, consistent practice and effective processes to manage workload and resource issues.
• Fulfil HR responsibilities, including coaching, performance development, and supporting staff wellbeing.
• Take 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.
• Work with the integrated team to align efforts and support priority work.
• Strengthen sector responses to neurodiversity and a wide range of learning support needs.
• Influence and lead innovation, people, programmes, and change.
• Assess needs, risks, and performance issues and address gaps proactively.
• Develop strong integrated connections and networks across the Ministry, local education providers, iwi, communities and whānau to achieve educational priorities for the region.
• Provide clear, data-informed insights aligned to Hub 4 priorities, including demand, outcomes, equity for priority learners, workforce capacity, and key risks and trends to inform improvement and planning.
• Have the capacity to follow through on complex or sensitive tasks and issues.

Salary range: $120,193 - $140,482 per annum + 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

We’re looking for a person with the ability to interpret and use data to inform decisions, with a strong focus on identifying, understanding, and reducing inequities in outcomes for Māori, and to monitor and report on progress over time.

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 offer:

• Confidence and competence in Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga and be able to weave this expertise into the work of Learning Support in ways that promote equitable and culturally responsive services for Māori learners and whānau.
• An ability to broker support from across the Ministry and other agencies to deliver joined up work programmes tailored to local needs, including targeted responses to reduce disparities for Māori.
• 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

Te Mahau | Education Services

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.

• Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.

• Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

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 Janina Konia, Manager – Integrated Services at Janina.Konia@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 12 July 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.