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 is an exciting opportunity to lead the Ministry's contract management function within Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce. As Manager, Contracts, you will provide strategic leadership, expert commercial advice, and oversight of a portfolio of significant contracts that support the education workforce across Aotearoa.

You will lead a team to ensure contracts are designed, governed, and managed effectively to maximise value for money, manage risk, and meet legislative and policy requirements. The role is responsible for driving high-quality contract and supplier relationship management practices, continuous improvement, and informed decision-making through robust performance monitoring and reporting.

Working closely with senior leaders, service providers, and key stakeholders, you will provide expert advice on complex contractual and commercial matters, contribute to strategic sourcing activities, and build trusted relationships that support positive outcomes for the education sector.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for an experienced people leader and contract management professional who can confidently operate in a complex and evolving environment.

You will have strong commercial acumen and be skilled at balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will be comfortable providing trusted advice to senior stakeholders, leading through ambiguity, and influencing outcomes across a diverse range of internal and external relationships.

You will also offer:

• Proven experience leading specialist teams and building capability through coaching and mentoring
• A relevant contract management qualification or significant professional experience managing contracts in a complex public sector environment
• Demonstrated experience managing or advising on complex, high-value, or high-risk contracts
• Experience in strengthen the Māori-Crown relationship - building capability as a good kāwanatanga partner
• Strong knowledge of contract management principles, governance, risk management, and public sector procurement practices
• Excellent relationship management, negotiation, and proven stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capability, with the ability to develop practical solutions to complex challenges
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You'll join a collaborative and supportive leadership team that values innovation, continuous improvement, and developing people.

This role offers the opportunity to shape how contract management is delivered across critical areas of the Ministry's work while leading a recently formed contract’s team committed to achieving meaningful outcomes for learners and the education workforce.

Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 per annum plus 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.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce supports the people who make education possible. We work across the education sector to strengthen workforce capability, sustainability, and performance, helping to ensure learners receive the support they need to succeed.

The Contracts team plays a critical role in managing strategic supplier relationships and ensuring that services delivered through contracted providers achieve quality outcomes, value for money and alignment with the Ministry's priorities.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your Resume and Cover Letter using the 'Apply Now' button. In your Cover Letter we'd like to know about you, your values, and what motivates you to apply for this role. We're keen to understand the strengths, experience, and perspectives you would bring to our team.

For further information, please contact Jolanda Meijer, General Manager Education Workforce Supply & Leadership at: Jolanda.Meijer@education.govt.nz

Applications close at 11.59pm on 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.