Director, Investment Planning

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 143,000 - 214,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand invites applications for the Director, Investment Planning within the School Network Team, Wellington. This senior role leads Investment Planning, prioritisation and delivery to align with government priorities and learner needs.

You will shape a coordinated network investment approach, provide strategic advice, and drive organisational change at scale. A tertiary qualification and strong stakeholder relationships are essential.

Qualifications

• High-level leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven expertise in infrastructure and investment planning.
• Ability to influence across government and stakeholders.
• Experience delivering strategic initiatives with measurable impact.
• Strong governance, financial and programme management skills.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equitable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the school network investment system.
• Develop coordinated investment planning aligned to priorities.
• Advise on investment priorities and performance improvement.
• Lead portfolio monitoring, benefits management and change initiatives.
• Build capability and support long-term value for learners and communities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Infrastructure planning

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Change leadership

Data driven decision-making

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp 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

Permanent, full-time position Opportunity to shape the future of school network investment. Location: Wellington preferred (alternate locations considered). This is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic leadership of the school network investment system and influence how education infrastructure investment delivers long-term outcomes for learners and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Director, Investment Planning is a critical leadership role within the School Network Team, responsible for ensuring investment planning, prioritisation and delivery are aligned to government priorities, network needs and long-term sustainability. You will lead the development of a coordinated network investment approach that supports better decision‑making, stronger performance and greater public value. Working closely with the General Manager and senior leaders, you will provide strategic advice on complex system issues, investment priorities, organisational change and performance improvement. You will be a trusted advisor, problem solver and change leader, supporting the successful delivery of Network Foundational Plans and helping to resolve challenges across the education network. This is an opportunity for an experienced and influential leader who can bring together diverse perspectives, navigate complexity and drive organisational change at scale. You will build capability, strengthen investment practices, and ensure the Ministry is well positioned to respond to future challenges and opportunities.

Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 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

You are an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of delivering strategic outcomes in complex environments. You bring deep expertise in infrastructure and investment planning, coupled with the ability to influence, collaborate and lead through change. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and complexity, using data, evidence and sound judgement to shape decision‑making and deliver long‑term outcomes. You have a proven ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders, leaders, Ministers, Māori and iwi, and can confidently influence across organisational boundaries.

You will bring:

• Significant leadership experience in a large and complex organisation.
• Proven experience in infrastructure and investment planning.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives, programmes or projects with organisational impact.
• A strong track record of driving organisational change aligned to strategic priorities and intended outcomes.
• Experience leading teams responsible for planning and managing infrastructure investment.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships and partnerships.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem‑solving capability.
• Strong experience using data and insights to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Experience coaching and developing high‑performing teams.
• Sound political awareness and understanding of government processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Strong programme, financial and resource management capability.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to improving equitable outcomes for learners.
• You will also have the ability to uphold and model the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team

Part of the Operational Standards and Support Group. The School Network team is responsible for planning and delivering the infrastructure investment required to support New Zealand's schooling network and ensure learners have access to high-quality learning environments. The Investment Planning function plays a central role in shaping the future of the school network. The team leads strategic planning, investment prioritisation, portfolio monitoring, benefits management and continuous improvement initiatives that support sustainable, evidence‑based investment decisions across the network. Working collaboratively across Te Mahau, the wider Ministry, regional teams and external stakeholders, the team provides expert advice, identifies opportunities and risks, and ensures investment decisions deliver long‑term value for learners, communities and New Zealand.

Are you ready to make a difference?

This is your opportunity to shape the future of school network investment and help ensure all learners have access to the infrastructure and learning environments they need to succeed.

If you are a strategic and influential leader who can bring people together, navigate complexity and drive sustainable change, we would love to hear from you. Join us and help build a more resilient, future‑focused education network for Aotearoa New Zealand.

In your cover letter, we'd like to learn more about your leadership experience, your approach to strategic investment planning and organisational change, and the strengths you would bring to this role. We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have led complex programmes, influenced strategic decision‑making and delivered outcomes through collaboration and partnership.

For further information and a confidential conversation, please contact Vince Fallon at [e-mail].

Applications close midnight - Friday 13 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.