General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Ops

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

Job summary

NZ Ministry of Education in Wellington seeks a General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations to lead the delivery of early learning, schooling and student support across the system. You will ensure statutory compliance, drive system-wide improvement and provide strategic advice to Ministers and partners.

The role requires strong political acumen, experience in public sector leadership, and capability to manage complex, risk-based operations in a national education landscape.

Qualifications

• Experienced education/public sector leader with a proven track record of driving improvement across large organisations or systems.
• Strong strategic and operational planning capability with a track record of leading organisational change that achieves measurable outcomes.
• Strong political acumen and ability to build trusted relationships with Ministers, external partners, and Māori and iwi, using data and insights to inform system-level decisions.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the delivery of early learning, schooling and student support services across the system.
• Set clear direction for a modern, risk-based regulatory approach, ensuring services meet statutory obligations and operate effectively.
• Lead the integration of policy, practice and system guidance to support consistent, high-quality delivery across early learning and schooling.
• Drive cross-system alignment, lead programmes and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen capability and system performance and provide thought leadership and strategic advice.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy implementation

Regulatory understanding

Education system knowledge

Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding

Job description

General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Ops

NZ Ministry of Education – Wellington, North Island

Date advertised: 7 Sept 2026

Job Type: Permanent

Wellington, NZ

Strengthening Education

The Ministry of Education plays a critical role in shaping New Zealand's education system to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. We are reshaping how the Ministry is organised to sharpen our focus on core priorities, be outward-facing and evidence-led, and build a strong organisational culture. We are seeking exceptional leaders who can navigate complexity, lead change, and deliver meaningful outcomes for learners and educators across Aotearoa.

The General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations is a senior leadership role contributing to the collective leadership and governance of Te Tāhuhu. You will provide strategic and operational leadership of the delivery of early learning, schooling and student support services across the system, helping embed the Ministry's vision and deliver improved outcomes for ākonga and whānau.

Responsible for regulatory oversight and operational performance, you will set clear direction for a modern, risk-based regulatory approach, ensuring services meet statutory obligations and operate effectively. You will lead the integration of policy, practice and system guidance to support consistent, high-quality delivery across early learning and schooling.

You will drive cross-system alignment, lead programmes and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen capability and system performance and provide thought leadership and strategic advice that shapes system direction and influences cross-Ministry priorities and investment decisions.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are an experienced education and public sector leader with a proven track record of driving improvement across large organisations or systems. You combine strong strategic and operational planning capability with a track record of leading organisational change that achieves measurable outcomes.

You bring strong political acumen, and a track record of building trusted relationships with Ministers, external partners, and Māori and iwi, using data and insights to inform system-level decisions.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within complex organisational environments, operating effectively at system level
• Proven experience developing and delivering integrated strategic and operational plans, including financial and budget management
• Experience leading organisational change aligned to strategic priorities, with a strong focus on measurable outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to lead the design and continuous improvement of organisational systems, frameworks and processes
• Proven ability to build and sustain strategic relationships and collaborate across agencies and sectors
• Sound political acumen and understanding of government processes, operating effectively in complex, ambiguous environments
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, governance practices and policy implementation
• Understanding of the education system, including early learning, schooling and student support
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in educational system design and delivery
• Willingness to uphold the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

About the group | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Education Services works to give effect to the Ministry's purpose and operating model, delivering services and support nationally, regionally and locally to and through the education sector, and in some cases directly to ākonga and whānau. This role sits within Operational Standards and Support, contributing to senior leadership that embeds strategy and delivers improved outcomes.

Ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of education in Aotearoa New Zealand and make a lasting impact on learner success. If you are a strategic leader with strong regulatory and operational leadership experience, we would love to hear from you.

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 Friday 25 September 2026.