Executive Leader, Early Learning & Schooling Ops

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across early learning, schooling and student support services, shaping system delivery and outcomes for ākonga and whānau.

Responsible for regulatory oversight and performance, you will lead a modern, risk-based regulatory approach and align policy, practice and system guidance to ensure high-quality delivery.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in large organisations or systems.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver integrated strategic and operational plans.
• Experience leading organisational change with measurable outcomes.
• Ability to design and continuously improve organisational systems, frameworks and processes.
• Ability to build and sustain strategic relationships across agencies.
• Strong political acumen and understanding of government processes.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and governance practices.
• Understanding of the education system including early learning and schooling.
• Appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in system design.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for delivery of early learning, schooling and student support services.
• Set direction for a modern, risk-based regulatory approach ensuring statutory obligations are met.
• Lead cross-system alignment and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen capability and system performance.
• Offer thought leadership and strategic advice shaping system direction and cross-Ministry priorities.

Job description

Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across early learning, schooling and student support services, shaping system delivery and outcomes for ākonga and whānau.

Responsible for regulatory oversight and performance, you will lead a modern, risk-based regulatory approach and align policy, practice and system guidance to ensure high-quality delivery.