Manager, Payroll Operations Assurance and Compliance

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

• Permanent position
• Wellington-based

We are seeking a Manager, Payroll Operations Assurance Change and Compliance to lead a team that ensures payroll compliance, drives operational change, and strengthens assurance across the education workforce. This is a pivotal strategic leadership role where you'll manage frameworks, processes, and relationships that support the integrity of the schools payroll system.

This position will:

• Lead and inspire a high performing team, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Lead investigations into payroll irregularities and non-compliance of schools payroll.
• Oversee assurance activities and reporting for payroll operations.
• Manage change requests and ensure timely, accurate implementation.
• Maintain strong relationships with payroll providers and internal teams.
• Develop and maintain tools, frameworks, and business rules to support compliance.
• Provide strategic input into future payroll operating models.
• Use data and insights to inform decisions and improve processes.

Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 per annum + 3% kiwi saver.  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 you | Mōhou ake

You’re a confident and experienced strategic leader with a strong background in payroll operations, compliance, risk management, and operational change. You bring a collaborative mindset, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to lead diverse teams in a complex environment. Your experience leading a multi-faceted payroll function in the public sector will be valued.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven leadership experience and experience managing and connecting nationwide teams.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory systems, compliance, and risk management.
• Strong technical and legislative knowledge as it relates to payroll compliance.
• Experience in developing and delivering workplans aligned to strategic goals.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and drive organisational change.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills.
• Cultural competency in working with Māori and Pacific communities.
• Calm, resilient, and agile approach to working in fast-paced environments.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Our group, Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga,  leads the sector workforce employment relations, the relationship with Education Payroll Limited and we hold the responsibility for bargaining. We support the organisation so that the key role of the education sector workforce is integrated into their work programmes and services.

Our Employment Relations team works to ensure current and up to date conditions of employment are in place for people working in schools and kura around the country. We are a small but focused team of specialists who work closely with schools, education sector unions, and peak bodies to set conditions and resolve employment relations challenges within the education sector.

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 Tim Tucker, Manager Employment Relations and Payroll Operations at Tim.Tucker@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Monday 17 November 2025.

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.