Strengthening Education
The Ministry of Education plays a critical role in shaping New Zealand's education system to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. We are reshaping how the Ministry is organised to sharpen our focus on core priorities, be outward-facing and evidence-led, and build a strong organisational culture. We are seeking exceptional leaders who can navigate complexity, lead change, and deliver meaningful outcomes for learners and educators across Aotearoa.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
The General Manager, Products is a senior leadership role within Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data, reporting to the Hautū | Deputy Secretary. You will be responsible for defining and delivering customer value through a portfolio of products, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, customer needs and business priorities.
You will shape the future direction and investment profile of these products, working closely with Business Owners to establish a clear product vision, strategy and roadmaps, and ensuring products are continuously evolved to deliver measurable outcomes for customers and the organisation.
As a member of the Te Pou Kōrero senior leadership team, you will lead and develop a team of Product Managers, building a high-performing product management practice grounded in consistent, value-driven decision-making. You will partner closely with Practice Centres to ensure effective delivery of product enhancements aligned with agreed strategies, while maintaining strong governance to support transparency and accountability across the product lifecycle.
About you | Mōhou ake
You are an experienced digital product leader who thrives on turning strategy into outcomes, with the credibility to shape investment decisions, the people leadership skills to build a high-performing product team, and the collaborative style needed to bring Business Owners, technical teams and senior stakeholders along on the journey.
You will bring:
- Extensive experience in Digital and Data product management within complex organisations, with a track record of delivering customer-centred products at scale
- Experience leading and developing high-performing product teams and building a culture of continuous improvement
- Strong understanding of product management frameworks (Agile, Lean, human-centred design) and how to apply them to strategic outcomes
- Demonstrated ability to define product vision and strategy, shaping investment decisions using data and value-based prioritisation
- Strong strategic thinking, translating organisational priorities into clear product roadmaps
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including with senior leaders and cross-functional teams
- Ability to collaborate effectively with delivery and technical teams to align strategy with execution
- Knowledge of digital technologies, platforms and emerging trends, along with investment planning and portfolio governance experience
- An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a willingness to uphold the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct
About the group | Mātau rōpū ake
This role sits within Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data, the Ministry's business group responsible for digital products and data capability that support the education system. As part of the senior leadership team, you will help build a high-performing, customer-centred product practice that delivers real value to learners, educators, and the wider sector.
Ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If you're a product leader who can turn complexity into clear direction and build a team that delivers, this is your chance to shape the products that support Aotearoa's education system.
This recruitment is managed exclusively by Rothley. Please contact ••••@rothley.co.nz for a position description or call Kirsty Brown on 02• ••• 757 or Hannah Anderson on 02• ••• •382 for a confidential conversation.
Please apply using the link here with an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Applications close Thursday 1 October 2026.
We want our candidates 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.
