Initiative Delivery Lead

Date advertised:  6 Jun 2025
Job Type:  Permanent
Location: 

Wellington, NZ

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

 

  • We’re looking for two experienced and collaborative design professionals to help shape how education works in Aotearoa.
  • These two roles sit within Te Pae Aronui’s Operational Design and Development team.
  • Based in Wellington.

 

As an Initiative Delivery Lead, you’ll drive the design of practical, system-focused solutions that support better outcomes for learners, whānau and educators. Working with colleagues across the Ministry, you’ll help translate system-level thinking into operational change that strengthens how education services are delivered.

 

Whether you're mapping an end-to-end process, developing a new service model, or shaping operational guidance — this role is about turning strategic direction into great design that works in the real world.

 

You’ll join a fast-paced, purpose-driven team focused on system improvement, with a strong emphasis on equity and collaboration.

 

Salary range: $139,246 – $169,396 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidates 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

 

You’re a design professional with experience leading structured, practical design work in complex environments. You’re comfortable working across disciplines—whether that’s operational policy, service design, or business process design—and know how to bring people together to shape solutions that work.

 

You’ll bring:

 

  • A strong track record of delivering design mahi in large or complex settings
  • Experience working collaboratively with a range of roles and functions to develop joined-up, user-centred solutions
  • The ability to lead design activity from planning through to delivery, while adapting to shifting priorities
  • A clear, structured approach to your work, with a focus on producing outputs that are practical and useable
  • A commitment to equity and to increasing your confidence in te ao Māori, te reo Māori and Te Tiriti-based practice
  • An understanding of how education or public service delivery works—or the ability to quickly build understanding in a new context.
  • The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

 

You’ll be part of a team that values clear thinking, practical delivery, and strong working relationships. We offer a supportive environment with flexible ways of working, opportunities to grow your design capability, and the chance to contribute to meaningful system change

 

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

 

The Operational Design and Development team is part of Te Pae Aronui | Operations and Integration at the Ministry of Education. We design and improve operational policies, services and business processes that support education delivery across Aotearoa.

 

We turn strategy into action—collaborating across the education system to design solutions that are practical, scalable, culturally responsive, and centred on the experiences of learners, whānau, educators and those delivering services.

 

Our work spans a range of priorities, including learning support, attendance, and operational improvements in early learning and schooling. We focus on design that supports more consistent, equitable and effective delivery across the system.

 

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 Jacqueline Yoder, Manager – Design and Development Delivery at Jacqueline.yoder@education.govt.nz
 

Applications close Midnight –  Monday, 30 June 2024

 

We encourage early applications as we will be reviewing applications as they are received.

 

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.