Group General Manager, Curriculum, Learning and Qualifications

NZ Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Ministry of Education in Wellington seeks a Group General Manager, Curriculum, Learning and Qualifications to lead the design, development and implementation of curriculum, teaching, learning and qualifications across Aotearoa New Zealand. You will translate priorities into coherent curriculum direction and drive evidence-based delivery at a system level.

You will lead major change, advise Ministers and senior leaders, and build strong partnerships across government and the education sector.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in complex organisations and systems.
• Experience leading large-scale organisational or system change with measurable outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of the education system and curriculum, learning or qualifications environments.
• Experience advising Ministers, senior leaders or decision-makers in politically informed environments.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and influence across sectors.
• Strong financial, operational and people leadership capability.
• A track record of building inclusive, high-performing teams.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to equitable educational outcomes.
• Willingness to uphold the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the design, development and implementation of curriculum, teaching, learning and qualifications across the education system.
• Translate government priorities into coherent curriculum direction and ensure evidence-informed delivery.
• Lead continuous improvement of curriculum and qualifications and advise Ministers and senior leaders.
• Lead the transition of major programme work into sustainable business-as-usual operations.
• Build partnerships across government and the education sector, including iwi and communities, with sound judgement and resilience.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy translation

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Governance

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Group General Manager, Curriculum, Learning and Qualifications

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 Group General Manager, Curriculum, Learning and Qualifications is a pivotal leadership role within Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre.

Reporting to the Hautū | Deputy Secretary, Curriculum Centre, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the design, development and implementation of curriculum, teaching, learning and qualifications across the education system. Translating government priorities into coherent curriculum direction and ensuring evidence-informed delivery.

You will lead continuous improvement of curriculum and qualifications, advise senior leaders and Ministers, and lead the transition of major programme work into sustainable business-as-usual operations. You'll build strong partnerships across government, the education sector, including màori and communities, operating with sound judgement and resilience in a dynamic, highly visible environment.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are a credible, experienced senior leader who combines strategic thinking with strong delivery capability, translating policy and Government priorities into practical outcomes. You operate confidently at the intersection of strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement, with sound political judgement and the ability to influence Ministers, senior officials and sector leaders.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in complex organisations and systems
• Experience leading large-scale organisational or system change with measurable outcomes
• Strong knowledge of the education system and curriculum, learning or qualifications environments
• Experience advising Ministers, senior leaders or decision-makers in politically informed environments
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and influence across sectors
• Strong financial, operational and people leadership capability
• A track record of building inclusive, high-performing teams
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to equitable educational outcomes
• 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.

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.