General Manager, Corporate Support and Improvement

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education in Wellington seeks a senior programme leader to drive continuous improvement across Corporate services, focusing on how people, processes and technology are designed and connected for better user experience.

You will lead planning, performance and operations across Te Pou Rangatōpū, coach a small team, and partner with Digital, Data and Technology leaders to deliver practical, scalable solutions aligned to strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Senior programme leader with a track record of establishing and leading change across a large organisation.
• Experience developing and delivering integrated programme plans with cross‑functional teams.
• Experience leading the implementation, monitoring and improvement of organisational systems, frameworks and processes.
• A history of using data and insights to assess performance, risks and opportunities.
• Strong relationship building and ability to work with senior stakeholders and sponsors.
• Proven people leadership and ability to coach and develop high‑performing teams.
• Awareness of government processes, public service standards, and accountability requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a continuous improvement programme across Corporate services to improve design, delivery and user experience.
• Oversee Te Pou Rangatōpū planning and performance, business operations and support activities.
• Provide direct support to the Hautū | Deputy Secretary Corporate and lead a small team for priority advice and coordination.
• Ensure leadership receive timely, well-connected support and guidance.
• Engage with business units to identify where integration adds value across people, process and technology.
• Collaborate with Digital, Data and Technology leads to explore new ways of working, including service design and automation.

Skills

Programme leadership

Integrated programme planning

People leadership

Data and insights

Stakeholder engagement

Systems thinking

Change management

Public sector knowledge

Job description

• Help shape the future of education in New Zealand
• Transform how corporate services are designed and experienced across the Ministry
• Lead practical service improvement across people, process and technology
• Build a more connected, responsive and service-led Corporate function

This position is Wellington based. Applicants outside Wellington will only be considered if they are prepared to work a minimum of four days per week in Wellington.

Strengthening Education

The Ministry of Education plays a critical role in shaping NewZealand's education system to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. Achieving excellence is about supporting every student to experience success at every stage of their learning journey, from early learning and schooling, right through to tertiary, training and employment. A focus on equity is critical in the NewZealand context. It means recognising and responding to the diverse circumstances and needs of all our learners. We are now reshaping the way the Ministry is organised so that we are better positioned to deliver on the goals of equity and excellence. This means being focused on our core role and doing it well; being deliberately outward-facing and forward-looking; utilising evidence and data to make informed decisions; and supporting a strong organisational culture. As the stewards of our education system, the Ministry is looking for experienced and outstanding leaders who are driven, curious, open to different perspectives and adaptable to lead our people through system and organisational change.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The General Manager, Corporate Support and Improvement contributes to the collective leadership and governance of Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education, helping to deliver our purpose and embed the strategic vision and key shifts within Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate.

This is a broad improvement role focused on how Corporate services are designed, connected and experienced across the Ministry. You will lead a continuous improvement programme that strengthens service delivery across Corporate, alongside responsibility for Te Pou Rangatōpū planning and performance, business operations and support activities. The role also provides direct support to the Hautū | Deputy Secretary Corporate and leads a small team responsible for principal advice, coordination, executive support and business continuity. You will ensure the Hautū and Corporate leadership team receive well-connected, timely and effective support. Working across multiple functions, including People, Finance, Risk, Procurement, Property and Communications, you will bring together opportunities to improve services, processes and the overall user experience. You will engage with the business to understand what people need, identify where greater consistency and integration will add value, and help Corporate leaders turn those insights into practical action. You will also work closely with Digital, Data and Technology leaders to explore new ways of working, including service design, process improvement, self‑service, automation and the appropriate use of AI. Through this work, you will help build a more responsive, accessible and service‑led Corporate function that is trusted across the Ministry and recognised for enabling others to deliver.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are a senior programme leader who brings a strong record of establishing and leading change across an organisation. You can develop and drive integrated programme plans turning priorities into coordinated and measurable outcomes. You are a systems thinker and a trusted relationship builder. You can work confidently with senior stakeholders, present evidence‑based recommendations, manage, challenge and progress decisions at pace and quality. You combine constructive challenge with a collaborative, customer‑focused approach that helps others build ownership and act.

You will bring:

• Programme leadership experience within a large and complex environment.
• Experience developing and delivering integrated programme plans, building teams, and working across organisations.
• Experience leading the implementation, monitoring and improvement of organisational systems, frameworks and processes.
• A track record of driving organisational change aligned to strategic priorities and intended outcomes.
• Strong experience using data and insights to assess performance and identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• The ability to design integrated solutions across people, process and technology.
• Experience building strategic relationships and collaborating across an organisation to achieve shared outcomes.
• Proven people leadership and the ability to coach, guide and develop high‑performing, customer‑focused teams.
• Sound political awareness and knowledge of government processes; an understanding of public sector accountability, planning and reporting requirements is desirable.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to and promote the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Copy and paste the following URL into your browser to access the Standards of Integrity and Conduct: https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/guidance/standards-of-integrity-and-conduct

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

We want our candidates 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.

Applications close at 12:00pm, Friday 18th September.