Copy of Head of Product

Yoobee Colleges Limited; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A major educational institute in Christchurch is seeking a Head of Product to lead program strategy and development. You will ensure programs align with industry needs and oversee content and assessment development. Strong leadership and product management experience in the education sector is essential, along with a commitment to learner success and compliance with NZQA and TEC standards. This role offers a collaborative work environment focused on innovation and growth.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work culture

Latest technology and equipment in campuses

Qualifications

• Deep experience in product management, programme development, or academic leadership.
• Proven leadership experience in academic product management, curriculum design, or programme delivery.
• Strong knowledge of NZQA and TEC compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of programmes.
• Ensure programmes align with industry and learner needs.
• Drive adoption of new learning platforms and manage programme rollouts.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Product management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Commercial mindset

Education

Experience in academic leadership or education sector

Job description

Yoobee Colleges is New Zealand’s largest Category Two Private Training Establishment, educating 7,000 learners through its collective of industry-leading tertiary education providers. Our learning communities throughout Aotearoa include Yoobee College of Creative Innovation, NZ School of Tourism, Cut Above Academy, Elite School of Beauty & Spa and Healthcare Academy of New Zealand. Supporting some of New Zealand’s fastest growing industry verticals: Creative Industries; Technology; Tourism; Hair, Beauty & Wellbeing; and Healthcare – courses available to study include animation, design, technology, digital innovation, health, nursing, aged care, hairdressing, makeup, beauty therapy, tourism, hospitality and flight attending. We progress the educational aspirations of all levels of learners, with programmes and qualifications ranging from certificates, micro-credentials and diplomas through to degrees at Bachelor and Honours level. We have a proud track record of consistently achieving industry-leading educational outcomes. Our team of tutors and trainers are passionate about equipping the workforce of the future with skills, smarts and resilience to excel, creating the next generation of leaders, thinkers and doers. We do this through our interactive study environments, and our tailored, hands-on approach to learning, preparing learners of all ages and stages to enter the workforce, further their education, or progress their career opportunities. To find out more about us, please visit https://www.yoobee.ac.nz/yoobee-colleges-limited

About The Role

We are seeking a visionary and commercially-minded Head of Product to join our Executive Leadership Team at Yoobee Colleges. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role holds ultimate responsibility for the strategic oversight, quality, relevance, and delivery of all Yoobee programmes.

The Head of Product leads the product strategy and roadmap, ensuring that programmes are engaging, innovative, and aligned to industry needs, government priorities, and organisational goals. You will oversee programme development from ideation through to delivery, providing final approval for all products while ensuring compliance with NZQA and TEC requirements.

This is a highly strategic role requiring an innovative, big-picture approach balanced with operational execution. Success will be measured through educational performance indicators, learner engagement, financial sustainability, and strong graduate outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development, positioning, and delivery of Yoobee’s programmes.
• Ensure programmes are innovative, engaging, and aligned with industry, government, and learner needs.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with industry, iwi, and community organisations.
• Oversee review and maintenance systems to ensure continuous improvement and national consistency.
• Provide creative and strategic oversight of content, resources, and assessment development.
• Drive adoption of new learning platforms and manage complex programme rollouts.
• Use learner analytics to measure impact and refine product design.
• Champion compliance with NZQA, TEC, and quality assurance frameworks.
• Coach, mentor, and develop teams to build capability and effectiveness.
• Contribute to Yoobee’s executive strategy, culture, and investment planning.

Qualifications / About You

• You are a strategic leader with deep experience in product management, programme development, or academic leadership within education or related sectors. You bring a strong commercial mindset, the ability to innovate, and a passion for learner success.
• Proven leadership experience in academic product management, curriculum design, or programme delivery.
• Strong knowledge of NZQA, TEC, and tertiary education compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to balance commercial, academic, and learner success outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with experience building industry partnerships.
• Experience leading change and embedding new systems or platforms.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data and insights to drive decisions.
• A future-focused mindset, with the ability to anticipate and respond to market shifts.

Additional Information

Why work with us?

Yoobee Colleges prides itself on supporting a diverse and inclusive culture - open to inputs from creative people of all genders, ethnicity, identity, thought and experiences. We are fast movers, action orientated, keen innovators, and quick thinkers who enjoy a workplace that is inspiring and fun.

• Be a driving force for one of NZ’s Largest specialist PTE
• Industry-leading campuses all equipped with the latest tech and equipment
• Rewarding opportunity to support students in their journey pursuing creative and tech industries
• Strong commitment to your professional growth & development
• Amazing work culture that is highly collaborative and supportive

Our application process

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the role.

We are an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equity, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.