Head of Department - Science

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

Job summary

Frontline Education is partnering with a South Canterbury school to appoint an experienced Head of Faculty - Science for Years 7–13. You will lead and teach within the Science department, guiding curriculum delivery and driving best practices across the faculty.

The role focuses on building strong relationships, practical leadership, and a collaborative environment to improve student engagement and outcomes. Remuneration includes a teaching salary with leadership allowances.

Qualifications

• NZ secondary Science teaching experience.
• Strong knowledge of the NZ Curriculum and NCEA.
• Experience teaching senior Science.
• Previous HOD, curriculum leadership or middle leadership experience.
• Collaborative and practical leadership style.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Focus on student engagement, wellbeing and achievement.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching and learning across Years 7–13 in the Science faculty.
• Teach within the department and develop curriculum delivery.
• Strengthen teaching practice and ensure student progress.
• Support and develop the Science team and foster collaboration.

Skills

Science teaching

Leadership

Curriculum leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Education

NZ teaching qualification

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.

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.

Interested?

We’re working directly with the school on this appointment and would be happy to talk you through the role, school environment and what they’re looking for before you decide whether to apply.

If this one isn’t quite right for you, I’d still love to connect, as I’m working with schools across New Zealand on a range of permanent, fixed-term and short-term teaching opportunities.