Manager, Service Design

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 121,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand is seeking a Manager, Service Design to lead the design, integration and continuous improvement of education provision services that help ensure all learners can achieve and succeed. This role combines strategic leadership with practical delivery, working across the Ministry, sector partners and external stakeholders to design and improve services.

You will lead and develop a high-performing team, manage priorities and resources, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Experience in system and service design
• Strong leadership and people-management ability
• Experience with organisational improvement and government processes
• Ability to use data and stakeholder feedback to inform decisions
• Excellent communication, planning and management skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration and continuous improvement of education provision services across the ministry
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, manage priorities and resources
• Drive positive change across the education system and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent outcomesOur organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This position is a newly established Permanent opportunity within Te Mahau Business Management for a Manager, Service design. The Manager, Service Design, you'll lead the design, integration and continuous improvement of education provision services that help ensure all learners can achieve and succeed. This role combines strategic leadership with practical delivery. You'll work closely with colleagues across the Ministry, education sector partners and external stakeholders to design and improve services, use insights and evidence to inform decision making, and drive positive change across the education system. You'll also lead and develop a high-performing team, manage priorities and resources, and contribute to creating an education system that delivers better outcomes for learners throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Manager Service Design.

About you | Mōhou ake

We're looking for an experienced people leader with a strong background in system and service design, organisational improvement, and machinery of government knowledge. You will be comfortable navigating complexity, bringing people together around a common purpose, and turning strategic direction into practical, sustainable outcomes. You'll be passionate about improving services and creating better experiences for those who rely on them.

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Significant experience in service design, continuous improvement or service transformation.
• Experience leading organisational change and embedding new ways of working.
• Experience in a senior role with a high level of strategic, analytical and conceptual thinking in a complex environment Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience using data, insights and user feedback to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
• Knowledge of the education system, or related public sector environments.
• Excellent communication, planning and management skills.
• A proven track record of building and maintaining trusted relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and Ministers Sound machinery of government knowledge, with a proven ability to navigate ambiguity in a complex environment.
• Build capability in others through coaching, quality assurance, and proactively sharing knowledge and expertise.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to thePublic Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura. The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:

• Practice and Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
• Integration and Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
• Monitoring and Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

For further information, please contact Hester Goodwin, General Manager Business Management [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 11 November 2026.

We want our people 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.