Manager, System and Service Design

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

Job summary

The New Zealand Ministry of Education is seeking a Manager, System and Service Design in Wellington. You will lead end‑to‑end design and continuous improvement of learning support services to ensure equitable, accessible outcomes for learners, whānau and educators.

This role blends strategic leadership with practical delivery and requires strong cross‑sector collaboration. You will lead a high‑performing team, manage priorities and resources, and work across the Ministry to inform decisions with

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
• Significant experience in system design, service design, continuous improvement or service transformation.
• Experience leading organisational change and embedding new ways of working.
• Strong relationship management skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience using data, insights and user feedback to inform decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration and continuous improvement of learning support services.
• Provide end‑to‑end governance of the learning support system and resources.
• Collaborate with the Ministry, sector partners and external stakeholders to drive change.
• Develop a high‑performing team and oversee priorities to deliver equitable outcomes.

Skills

People leadership

System design

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational change

Data-driven decisions

Education sector knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Public sector processes

Public service values

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp 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 is a full-time permanent role based in Wellington. As Manager, System and Service Design, you'll lead the design, integration and continuous improvement of learning support services that help ensure all learners can achieve and succeed. Reporting within Te Pou Taunaki | Learning Support, you'll take an end-to-end view of the learning support system, leading a team responsible for shaping services that are accessible, equitable, connected and responsive to the needs of learners, whānau, educators and providers. 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 Learning Support ecosystem. You'll also lead and develop a high-performing team, manage priorities and resources, and contribute to creating a learning support 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 System and 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 stakeholder engagement. 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. You will also offer:

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Significant experience in system design, service design, continuous improvement or service transformation.
• Experience leading organisational change and embedding new ways of working.
• 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 learning support services, education systems, or related public sector environments.
• Excellent communication, planning and project management skills.
• Sound understanding of government and public sector processes.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and purpose-driven team working at the heart of learning support system improvement. You'll have the opportunity to influence services that make a meaningful difference for learners, whānau and educators, while working alongside passionate colleagues committed to achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Our team leads the design of the national Learning Support system and the professional practice that underpins it. We ensure clear guidance, consistent approaches, and strong workforce capability. Our key areas are to:

• Develop Learning Support system design, national practice guidance, and delivery approaches.
• Lead induction, training, and capability building for frontline Learning Support staff.
• Oversee budget processes and support connected working across local, regional, and national levels.
• Build sector relationships to strengthen consistency and service quality.

You'll be joining a collaborative, high-performing team that is passionate about improving learning support outcomes for children and young people across Aotearoa New Zealand. We bring together expertise in system thinking, service design, strategy and delivery, working closely with colleagues, educators, whānau and sector partners to create services that are connected, accessible and effective.

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

For further information, please contact Rachael Vink, General Manager, System, Design and Practice at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 14 October 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.