Chief Advisor, Regional Property Operations

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 role – Flexible Location

The Chief Advisor, Property’s role is to work with and support the General Manager, Regional Property Operations and the property leadership team to lift performance and capability thought leadership and expertise on strategies, work programmes, information requests and complex system issues.

This includes supporting the General Manager, Regional Property Operations to ensure visibility of property issues and undertake activities on behalf of the General Manager, Regional Property Operations such as trouble shooting, driving a coordinated change effort and providing analysis of property challenges and opportunities

Salary range: $164,265 - $199,853 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

To be successful in the role as the Chief Advisor, Regional Property Operations you will effectively provide executive level support and advice to the General Manager that supports delivery of the School Property Strategy. You will have experience leading and contributing to strategic initiatives, work programmes or projects that have organisational impact, as well as experience in driving organisational change aligned to a shared vision and strategic priorities.

You will also offer:

• Experience at a leadership level, ideally in a complex organisation 
• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes. 
• Proven experience within infrastructure/ property asset management. 
• Track record of success and results in a team leader / management role in a large and complex delivery organisation that involved strategic and financial/operational management accountability and a high need for stakeholder engagement. 
• Proven ability and experience of leading a team to develop asset management maturity. 
• Proven record in successfully implementing changes and improvements to processes and practices. 
• Highly developed relationship management skills with a proven ability to consult and influence at all levels.
• Sound political awareness and knowledge of government processes, with proven ability to navigate ambiguity in a complex environment.
• 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. Our team is responsible for the portfolio, including school engagement, asset management, capital works delivery, investment planning and portfolio management.

We have a responsibility to invest in property solutions that demonstrate value for money while still delivering the right outcome for our schools and kura. Demand for new or improved school property across the country is high, and the way we meet these needs is to do so more efficiently. We have set financial and timeliness targets for our programme, and we’re looking to improve our planning and delivery, as well as working proactively and collaboratively with schools and the construction sector. This will ensure that our property projects deliver value and are part of an affordable and deliverable programme of works.

The School Property group is led by a Chief Executive for School Property, who reports directly to the Minister for Education. In July 2025 the Government announced it will establish a Crown agent to manage school property, to be called the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA). Implementation of the NZSPA is expected in 2026, subject to the legislation being passed and establishment milestones being achieved.

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 Gary Anaru, General Manager, Regional Property Operations at Gary.Anaru@education.govt.nz  

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 21 September 2025.

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.