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

• Service and Relationship Specialist.
• 2 permanent positions .
• Wellington based.

The Service and Relationship Specialist is responsible for building and managing relationships with Education Sector Agencies, Ministry business groups and key suppliers. Acting as the primary point of contact for assigned products and services, the role ensures they are delivered effectively by overseeing service transitions, service levels, supplier performance, continuous improvement, customer satisfaction and maintaining high standards of operational service delivery.

The role manages products and services throughout their lifecycle ,including day-to-day commercial management of supplier arrangements and contracts that support them. This includes monitoring supplier performance against contractual obligations, managing commercial issues and risks, supporting contract changes and renewals and ensuring services continue to deliver value for money.

Working closely with Digital and Data, Commercial, Procurement, Finance, and Legal teams, the Service and Relationship Specialist ensures contractual and commercial obligations are understood and effectively managed, seeking specialist advice or approvals when required.

Salary range: $120,171 - $145,560 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 you | Mōhou ake

You will have a proven track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching, and mentoring others to achieve shared outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate the ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and translate these into informed recommendations that influence organisational and system-level decision-making.

You will also offer:

• Experience in a complex organisation.

• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• A tertiary degree in business or IT and/or equivalent experience in this type of role.
• Knowledge and practical experience of service management frameworks and practices, such as ITIL.

• Experience in the day-to-day commercial management of suppliers and contracts including monitoring performance, managing contractual obligations, risks and issues and supporting contract changes and renewals.
• Experience working with suppliers and internal specialists to achieve effective service and commercial outcomes.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You’ll join the newly established Costing, Planning and Performance team, with the opportunity to help shape how we work from the outset. Working collaboratively across Digital and Data, the wider Ministry, the education sector and with our supplier partners, you’ll have the opportunity to build strong relationships and make a real difference to how our digital services are planned, managed and delivered

This is an opportunity to help shape how the new team works, build strong relationships across the Ministry and education sector and work closely with suppliers and internal specialists to improve service and commercial outcomes.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

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.

The team brings together service, commercial, financial and performance perspectives to support good decision making and ensure our digital services continue to deliver value.

 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 Natalie James, Commercial Manager at  Natalie.James@education.govt.nz

Applications close: 5:00pm, Thursday, 19th November 2027.

PLEASE NOTE Applications will be assessed as they are received, and interviews may be conducted before the closing date.

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.