Senior Analyst, School Site Planning

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

As a Senior Analyst, Planning, you will play a key role in shaping effective, well‑planned and investable school sites across Aotearoa. The role is focused on school site due diligence, bringing together land, infrastructure and hazard information to support strong planning and investment decisions.

You will analyse complex technical inputs and turn them into clear, practical advice that helps planners and decision‑makers understand risks, constraints and opportunities early. Your work will directly inform investment recommendations and delivery planning for new and existing school sites.

In this role you will

• Lead site due diligence for school developments using technical and public data
• Analyse infrastructure, land and hazard information to identify risks and options
• Support planning and investment decisions with clear, evidence based insights

You will also help shape the future of how site information is collected, analysed and used. This includes improving tools, templates and systems, and contributing to smarter use of technology such as GIS, data integration and automation, to strengthen consistency, quality and efficiency across school site planning.

This role suits someone who enjoys working across disciplines, translating complex information into clear advice, and influencing better long term investment outcomes for schools and communities

Salary range: $119,171.00 - $144,560.00 + 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 you | Mōhou ake

You bring strong experience in site, land or property development analysis, with a deep understanding of the factors that influence safe, deliverable and investable school sites. You are confident working with complex information and enjoy turning technical detail into clear, practical advice that supports good decision making.

You’re comfortable collaborating with planners, engineers and other specialists, and you know how to balance risk, cost and opportunity when assessing site options. You take a disciplined, evidence based approach and are trusted to provide sound advice on complex planning and infrastructure matters. 

You will also bring:

• Proven experience in site due diligence, development feasibility or infrastructure planning
• A strong understanding of planning, infrastructure and development risks
• Familiarity with NZ’s planning and regulatory environment, including the RMA and NZBC
• The ability to analyse data, test assumptions and clearly explain your findings
• An interest in improving systems and processes, including the use of data, GIS and technology
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to supporting team and organisational outcomes
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

 You enjoy working in a focused and driven environment and are motivated by contributing to better long‑term outcomes for schools, learners and communities.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion. Our team is responsible for the portfolio, including school engagement, asset management, capital works delivery, investment planning and portfolio management. 

We have a responsibility to invest in property solutions that demonstrate value for money while still delivering the right outcome for our schools and kura. Demand for new or improved school property across the country is high, and the way we meet these needs is to do so more efficiently. We have set financial and timeliness targets for our programme, and we’re looking to improve our planning and delivery, as well as working proactively and collaboratively with schools and the construction sector. This will ensure that our property projects deliver value and are part of an affordable and deliverable programme of works.

The School Property group is led by a Functional Chief Executive for School Property, who reports directly to the Minister for Education. In July 2025 the Government announced it will establish a Crown agent to manage school property, to be called the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA). Implementation of the NZSPA is expected in 2026, subject to the legislation being passed.

 Our team sits within Strategy, Investment and Planning (SIP) in School Property, leading the planning of existing and new school site across Aotearoa.

We are both strategic and operational. Our advice directly influences where investment is made, how risks are managed and how school developments move forward with confidence.

We collaborate widely both across the Ministry and with external experts such as planners, engineers, consultants. We bring diverse perspectives together, align technical detail with strategic intent, and create clarity where complexity exists.

We are a high performing, focused and highly driven team. We move at pace, hold ourselves to high standards and take pride in solving complex problems efficiently and effectively. We are agile and continuously look for smarter, more effective ways to plan and invest in school property.

If you enjoy working in a team that is analytical, collaborative and trusted to influence decisions at both a strategic and operational level, this is the place for you.

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 Peter Cu, Manager, Business Improvement at  Peter.Cui@education.govt.nz

Applications close: Midnight 14th April 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.