Manager, Service Design

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 121,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government, Education Services Group, 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 blends strategic leadership with practical delivery, collaborating across the Ministry, education sector partners and external stakeholders in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The position offers a permanent appointment with a salary range of $121,139 to $181,709 per

Qualifications

• 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 strategic, analytical and conceptual thinking in a complex environment.
• Strong relationship management across internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience using data, insights and user feedback to inform decisions and improve outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration and continuous improvement of education provision services.
• Drive strategic leadership and practical delivery to improve learner outcomes.
• Collaborate with Ministry colleagues, sector partners and external stakeholders.
• Develop and coach a high-performing team and manage priorities and resources.

Skills

Leadership

Service design

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Data-informed decisions

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes Our 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

• 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 the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will also offer:

• 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 the Public 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.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

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.