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

This position is one of two newly established Permanent opportunities within Business Management divisions. These are within the Te Pou Korero | Data and Digital and the Tye Mahau | Education Services Groups.

We're looking for a confident and capable Manager Business Operations to lead day-to-day operational support across administration, engagement, business continuity, planning and reporting, ministerial correspondence, and risk an issues management. Based in our Wellington office, this broad and influential role combines people leadership, process improvement, stakeholder support and administration.

Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 per annum + Kiwisaver.  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 Manager Business Operations

About you | Mōhou ake

You are a collaborative and pragmatic leader who thrives in complex operational environments. You bring strong workforce planning, business operations, and stakeholder management experience, along with a proven ability to lead teams and drive organisational improvement.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate services and regional delivery to ensure effective service delivery.
• Drive the optimisation of business logistics and associated risk management practices to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and support consistent delivery outcomes across Te Mahau
• Prepare high-quality briefing papers, advice, and decision support papers, and develop clear, timely communications to support effective messaging.
• Oversee governance, secretariat, and support functions that enable informed and timely decision-making.
• Improve systems, processes, policies, and operational procedures to support efficient and consistent service delivery.
• Lead projects and business improvement initiatives from planning through to implementation.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Business Operations team while fostering a positive and engaged team culture.
• Sound machinery of government knowledge, with a proven ability to navigate ambiguity in a complex environment.
• Build capability in others through coaching, quality assurance, and proactively sharing knowledge and expertise.  
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You'll have the opportunity to influence services that make a meaningful difference for learners, whānau and educators, while working alongside passionate colleagues committed to achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

 
The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

•   Practice and Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.

•   Integration and Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.

•   Monitoring and Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data leads digital and data for the Ministry and the education sector. It sets the Ministry's digital strategy, builds and runs the platforms the Ministry relies on, and turns data into trusted insights – making education services simpler, smarter and better for ākonga and their whānau.

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 Hester Goodwin, General Manager Business Management  Hester.Goodwin@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 11 November 2026.

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.