Service Delivery Manager, Strategic Programmes

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

Service Delivery Manager, Strategic Programmes

• Permanent
• Full time

Based from one of the following locations:

• Auckland  (Maungawhau | Mt Eden office)
• Hamilton
• Rotorua
• Tauranga

Join us as a Service Delivery Manager supporting the Healthy School Lunches programme, which provides nutritious lunches every school day to over 240,000 students who need the greatest support. This mahi directly improves student wellbeing, removes barriers to learning, and supports equitable outcomes across Aotearoa.

You’ll lead the operational delivery of the programme, managing our largest national supplier and ensuring all meals meet strict safety and nutrition standards designed to support child health and development. You’ll also lead a dispersed team of Senior Advisors, supporting their relationships with schools and suppliers and helping them solve local challenges.

This role is a chance to shape sustainable, high‑quality programme delivery that strengthens child wellbeing and learning every day. In this role, you will:

• Manage the operational delivery of lunches from our largest national meal supplier, ensuring lunches are delivered safely, on time, and to programme standards.
• Lead and support a high‑performing team of Senior Advisors spread across Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and surrounding regions.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with nutrition, safety, and quality requirements designed to give ākonga access to healthy, balanced meals every day.
• Build strong relationships with schools, providers and regional partners to keep the mahi flowing smoothly—even through disruptions such as weather events, transport challenges, or fluctuating school numbers.
• Drive continuous improvement, problem‑solve local delivery challenges, and feed regional insights into national strategy development.
• This role will require regular travel within the upper North Island.

Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 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

As an experienced operational and people leader, you’ll be able to clearly demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience across dispersed or multi‑disciplinary teams
• Skill in managing workflows, budgets, performance and operational risk
• Experience improving service delivery and embedding organisational change
• Excellent relationship‑building skills with schools, suppliers and stakeholders
• Strong communication and a collaborative, inclusive leadership style
• A commitment to equitable outcomes and confidence working within Tātai Pou, our Māori cultural capability framework
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

As a Service Delivery Manager, you’ll be a key member of the Strategic Programmes leadership team, reporting to the General Manager and working alongside other Managers and Service Delivery Managers within the programme.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Ministry of Education through its Strategic Programmes Team manages the Healthy School Lunches programme, the ECE Food programme, and the Ikura | Access to Period Products in Schools initiative.

Our team covers the country, from Northland to the deep South. You’ll be joining a team that enjoys a laugh, while working hard to provide better outcomes for ākonga across the motu.

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 Andrew Gibson, General Manager, Strategic Programmes at Andrew.Gibson@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Monday 6 th April 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.