General Manager, Progress and Achievement

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

Job summary

NZ Ministry of Education, Wellington, is seeking an exceptional General Manager for Progress and Achievement. This senior role within Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre leads system-wide initiatives to improve foundational learning outcomes across literacy, te reo matatini and numeracy, supporting equity and excellence for all learners.

You will translate Government priorities into delivery plans, align multiple stakeholders, and drive measurable improvements with rigorous performance monitoring in

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex programmes and leading large organisations or systems.
• Strong understanding of effective teaching and learning practice.
• Ability translating Government priorities into delivery plans and practical action.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders and inform decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead action plans, interventions and resources that support quality teaching and learning.
• Provide high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers.
• Drive results through strong performance monitoring in a dynamic environment.
• Shape a nationally coordinated approach to foundational learning.

Skills

Senior leadership

Data-informed decision making

Stakeholder collaboration

Strategic thinking

Public sector understanding

Te Tiriti o Waitangi awareness

Job description

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General Manager, Progress and Achievement

NZ Ministry of Education – Wellington, North Island

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, Progress and Achievement is a key leadership role within Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre, responsible for a dedicated, data-informed focus on achievement and progress in literacy | te reo matatini and numeracy | pāngarau across English and Māori medium education pathways.

This role leads the system-wide delivery of the Foundational Learning Action Plan and is accountable for driving measurable improvements in learner achievement, progress and equity. Helping shape a nationally coordinated approach to foundational learning that supports improved attendance, engagement and achievement.

You will lead the development of action plans, interventions and resources that support quality teaching and learning, and provide high-quality advice to senior leaders and Ministers. Success requires translating Government priorities into clear delivery plans, aligning multiple stakeholders, and driving results through strong performance monitoring, operating with sound judgement and resilience in a dynamic, highly visible environment.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are an experienced, influential leader with a proven track record of delivering complex programmes and driving improvement across large organisations or systems, combined with a strong understanding of effective teaching and learning practice.

As a people leader, you build a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture and invest in the growth of others. You are highly collaborative and politically astute, using evidence to inform decisions and build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders, motivated by ensuring every learner has the foundations they need to succeed.

You will bring:

• 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 | pāngarau
• 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

Te Poutāhū, the Curriculum Centre, leads the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on excellent and equitable outcomes for learners. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence to develop and review inclusive curricula, assessment and qualifications with strengths across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability and inclusive learning support.

Key functions include: New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki, Curriculum Integration, Māori Medium, Te Uepū Reo Māori, Qualifications and Pathways, and Sector Engagement.

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 an experienced leader passionate about foundational learning and system improvement, we would like 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.