Lead Advisor, Sector Change

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
• Based in Tauranga or Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

As the Lead Advisor, Sector Change, you will lead and facilitate the planning and implementation of change across the local Integrated Service teams, working with the Sector Change Management & Implementation team. This role provides support across the region to ensure changes to service delivery are well planned and delivered successfully to schools, kura and early childhood education providers. You will also drive, in collaboration with their region, a connected approach to a holistic view of change implementation across all stages of the education system.

This permanent, full-time role can be based at either our Tauranga or Rotorua office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity.

Applicants who live in the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $100,296-$121,490 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 Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to:

• maintain an overview of the direction and implementation of change related project plans/work plans across your region
• provide a regional point of contact to inform our central teams of sector and regional readiness for change, and prepare colleagues for implementation of change delivery and supporting the change integration
• facilitate and coordinate the change and implementation between regional staff, and the service delivery and design teams across Te Tāhuhu
• support and communicate with regional Integrated Services teams to plan for, prioritise and roll out national change programmes, at a local level in a way that is prioritised and supported to provide meaningful outcomes for ākonga across Aotearoa New Zealand
• use project management knowledge to make sense of and design, communicate and implement changes
• work collaboratively with others to plan, communicate and implement changes across the regional team
• lead and contribute to the monitoring and reporting of delivery against workplans and outcomes.

We are looking for people who have:

• proven team leadership expertise to coach and constructively challenge others to learn and grow in a safe and encouraging environment
• accomplished capabilities in developing and delivering workplans that align to organisational strategies and work programmes using data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities to influence and guide organisational and system level informed decision making
• a track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes
• a solution-focused and problem-solving approach with strategic and creative thinking, and a focus on Māori potential, and supporting real and sustainable change
• demonstrated ability to understand linkages with initiatives within and outside their area of work
• knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand education system and relevant legislation
• an understanding of working with iwi, Māori and Pacific communities
• a full current driver licence as travel will be required
• 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 is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes learning support, education advice and regulation functions for kōhanga, early learning services, schools and kura, and advice and support with curriculum. We also share practice and learnings collaboratively with other Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design and policy.

As a frontline group, we develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū.

We also collectively strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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 (please do not email your application). 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 Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email Pennie.Muldoon@education.govt.nz

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 10 May 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.