General Manager, Progress and Achievement

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, Progress and Achievement is a key leadership role within Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre, responsible for a dedicated, data-informed focus on achievement and progress in literacy | te reo matatini and numeracy | pāngarau across English and Māori medium education pathways.

This role leads the system-wide delivery of the Foundational Learning Action Plan and is accountable for driving measurable improvements in learner achievement, progress and equity.  Helping shape a nationally coordinated approach to foundational learning that supports improved attendance, engagement and achievement.

You will lead the development of action plans, interventions and resources that support quality teaching and learning, and provide high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers. Success requires translating Government priorities into clear delivery plans, aligning multiple stakeholders, and driving results through strong performance monitoring, operating with sound judgement and resilience in a dynamic, highly visible environment.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are an experienced, influential leader with a proven track record of delivering complex programmes and driving improvement across large organisations or systems, combined with a strong understanding of effective teaching and learning practice.

As a people leader, you build a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture and invest in the growth of others. You are highly collaborative and politically astute, using evidence to inform decisions and build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders, motivated by ensuring every learner has the foundations they need to succeed.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience operating successfully in complex environments
• Deep knowledge of primary education and foundational learning, including effective teaching practices in literacy | te reo matatini and numeracy | pāngarau
• A strong track record of leading delivery-focused programmes with measurable outcomes
• Experience building strategic partnerships across organisational and sector boundaries
• Proven success leading inclusive, high-performing teams and fostering accountability
• Strong strategic thinking, turning priorities into practical action
• Experience using data and insights to inform decisions and improve outcomes
• Sound understanding of public sector processes and politically informed environments
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in educational system design
• Willingness to uphold the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

About the group | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Poutāhū, the Curriculum Centre, leads the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on excellent and equitable outcomes for learners. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence to develop and review inclusive curricula, assessment and qualifications with strengths across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability and inclusive learning support.

Key functions include: New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki, Curriculum Integration, Māori Medium, Te Uepū Reo Māori, Qualifications and Pathways, and Sector Engagement.

Ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of education in Aotearoa New Zealand and make a lasting impact on learner success. If you are an experienced leader passionate about foundational learning and system improvement, we would like to hear from you.

This recruitment is managed exclusively by Rothley. Please email info@rothley.co.nz for a copy of the position description or contact Kirsty Brown on 021 660 757 or Hannah Anderson on 027 637 1382 for a confidential conversation.

Please apply directly to Rothley via this link with an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Applications close Friday 25 September 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.