Group General Manager, Curriculum, Learning and Qualifications

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 Group General Manager, Curriculum, Learning and Qualifications is a pivotal leadership role within Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre.

Reporting to the Hautū | Deputy Secretary, Curriculum Centre, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the design, development and implementation of curriculum, teaching, learning and qualifications across the education system.  Translating government priorities into coherent curriculum direction and ensuring evidence-informed delivery.

You will lead continuous improvement of curriculum and qualifications, advise senior leaders and Ministers, and lead the transition of major programme work into sustainable business-as-usual operations. You'll build strong partnerships across government, the education sector, including màori and communities, operating with sound judgement and resilience in a dynamic, highly visible environment.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are a credible, experienced senior leader who combines strategic thinking with strong delivery capability, translating policy and Government priorities into practical outcomes. You operate confidently at the intersection of strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement, with sound political judgement and the ability to influence Ministers, senior officials and sector leaders.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in complex organisations and systems
• Experience leading large-scale organisational or system change with measurable outcomes
• Strong knowledge of the education system and curriculum, learning or qualifications environments
• Experience advising Ministers, senior leaders or decision-makers in politically informed environments
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and influence across sectors
• Strong financial, operational and people leadership capability
• A track record of building inclusive, high-performing teams
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to equitable educational outcomes
• 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.

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 Rothey 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.