Education Progress & Achievement Director

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand seeks a General Manager, Progress and Achievement, a key leadership role within Te Poutāhū Curriculum Centre. You will lead system-wide delivery of the Foundational Learning Action Plan, drive improvements in literacy, te reo matatini and numeracy across pathways, and translate priorities into actionable delivery plans.

You will build partnerships, provide high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers, and foster an inclusive, high-performing team

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience operating successfully in complex environments.
• Deep knowledge of primary education and foundational learning, including effective teaching practices in literacy, te reo matatini and numeracy.
• A strong track record of leading delivery-focused programmes with measurable outcomes.
• Experience building strategic partnerships across organisational and sector boundaries.
• Proven success leading inclusive, high-performing teams and fostering accountability.
• Strong strategic thinking, turning priorities into practical action.
• Experience using data and insights to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
• Sound understanding of public sector processes and politically informed environments.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in educational system design.
• Willingness to uphold the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-wide delivery of the Foundational Learning Action Plan.
• Translate priorities into clear delivery plans and actions.
• Drive improvements in attendance, engagement, and achievement.
• Provide high‑quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers.
• Foster inclusive, high‑performing teams and accountable delivery.

Skills

Senior leadership

Data-informed decisions

Strategic partnerships

Public sector understanding

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Inclusive leadership

Job description

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand seeks a General Manager, Progress and Achievement, a key leadership role within Te Poutāhū Curriculum Centre. You will lead system-wide delivery of the Foundational Learning Action Plan, drive improvements in literacy, te reo matatini and numeracy across pathways, and translate priorities into actionable delivery plans.

You will build partnerships, provide high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers, and foster an inclusive, high-performing team