Head of Department - Science

Frontline Recruitment Group; Temuka; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Frontline Recruitment Group in Temuka, South Canterbury invites applications for Head of Faculty - Science at a Years 7-13 school. You will lead the Science department, teach, mentor teachers and drive curriculum and assessment across the faculty.

You'll work with senior leaders to raise outcomes, foster collaboration and implement innovative teaching practices while maintaining a strong connection with students.

Qualifications

• NZ secondary science teaching experience.
• Strong knowledge of the NZ Curriculum and NCEA.
• Experience leading curriculum or departments.
• Collaborative and practical leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching and learning across Years 7–13 within the Science faculty.
• Develop and support the Science team and curriculum delivery.
• Strengthen teaching practice and student engagement.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to guide faculty direction.

Skills

NZ Science Teaching

NCEA Knowledge

Senior Science

Leadership Experience

Communication Skills

Student Engagement

Job description

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Frontline Recruitment Group – Temuka, South Island

We're partnering with a South Canterbury school to find an experienced Science teacher ready to lead, influence and help shape the direction of the faculty.

This is a permanent Head of Faculty - Science opportunity within a Year 7-13 school, offering the chance to combine hands‑on teaching with meaningful middle leadership.

The school is looking for someone who can bring clear direction to the Science faculty, support and develop their team, and continue building strong outcomes for students across Years 7-13.

About the Role

As Head of Faculty - Science, you'll lead teaching and learning across Years 7-13 while continuing to teach within the department.

You’ll work closely with your Science team and wider school leadership to strengthen curriculum delivery, support consistent teaching practice and ensure students are engaged and progressing.

We're looking for someone who can build strong relationships, bring fresh ideas and provide practical leadership while creating a positive and collaborative environment within the faculty.

This could suit an established Head of Department or curriculum leader, or a strong Science teacher who has already taken on leadership responsibilities and is ready for their next step.

About You

You’ll be an experienced Science teacher who enjoys both the classroom and helping other teachers succeed.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• NZ secondary Science teaching experience
• Strong knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum and NCEA
• Experience teaching senior Science
• Previous HOD, curriculum leadership or middle leadership experience
• A collaborative and practical leadership style
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A genuine focus on student engagement, wellbeing and achievement

Experience with restorative or trauma-informed practice would be valuable, although an openness to working within this approach is equally important.

Why Consider This Role?

If you’re looking for a leadership role where you can actually make an impact, this is worth exploring.

You’ll have genuine scope to influence the direction of Science, develop your team and work closely with senior leadership, while still staying connected to students and classroom teaching.

Remuneration includes 2MU and 1MMA alongside the applicable teaching salary.