General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Ops

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand is seeking a General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership of the delivery of early learning, schooling and student support services nationwide. You will drive a modern regulatory approach, embed policy and system guidance, and influence cross-Ministry priorities to improve learner outcomes.

You will lead complex organisational change, build trusted relationships with Ministers and partners, and

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within complex organisations or systems.
• Proven track record of driving improvement and delivering outcomes.
• Strong political acumen and ability to build trusted relationships with Ministers and external partners.
• Experience leading regulatory oversight and policy integration across services.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of early learning and schooling delivery.
• Lead regulatory oversight to ensure statutory obligations are met and services operate effectively.
• Drive cross-system alignment and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Advise on system direction and influence cross-Ministry priorities and investment decisions.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory oversight

Public sector governance

Political acumen

Stakeholder engagement

organisational change management

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

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.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

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.

Applications close Friday 25 September 2026.

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.