Operations Team Leader

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19); Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) invites applications for the role of Operations Team Leader. Based in Palmerston North, you will help shape the systems, culture and strategic direction of this new, purpose-built school opening in 2027.

You will oversee staffing coordination, timetabling, relief staffing, transport, health and safety, EOTC processes and key operations, while leading a team of educators and working closely with whānau and external agencies to create conditions for

Qualifications

• Current New Zealand teacher registration is required.
• Experience leading school operations and teams.
• Ability to manage complex systems, staffing and transport.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staffing coordination and relief staffing.
• Manage timetabling and transport arrangements.
• Oversee health and safety, EOTC processes and key operations.
• Lead and support a team of educators and school staff.
• Collaborate with whānau and external agencies to enable student success.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Staffing management

Timetabling

Health and safety

EOTC processes

Operational leadership

Communication

Relationship-building

Education

NZ teacher registration

Teaching qualifications

Tools

Timetabling software

HR systems

Job description

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19) Manawatu/Whanganui

Operations Team Leader

Full time, Permanent

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Other senior leadership
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts
2 MU (Permanent)

Kiatupu, kiahua| To grow, to flourish

This is a rare opportunity to join the founding leadership team of Palmerston North's newest school.

Opening in Term 3, 2027,TeOhanuiwill be the first specialist schoolestablishedin Aotearoa New Zealand in 50 years. The purpose-built school will provide education for up to 125ākongaaged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs.

We are seeking anOperations Team Leaderto help shape the systems, culture, and strategic direction of this new school.

Our vision is to create a learning community where everyākongais valued, enabled to flourish, and supported to live a life of dignity, purpose, and belonging.

This unique role combines operational and educational leadership. You will oversee staffing coordination, timetabling, relief staffing, transport,healthand safety, EOTC processes, and key school operations, while also leading and supporting a team of educators. Working closely with staff, whānau, and external agencies, you will help create the conditions that enable bothākongaandkaimahito thrive.

We are looking for a leader who brings:

• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Experience managing complex systems, resources, and staffing.
• A collaborative, strengths-based approach to leadership.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety, risk management, and compliance requirements.
• Strategic thinking and operationalexpertise.
• A commitment to inclusive education and positive outcomes forākongaand whānau.
• Current New Zealand teacher registration and relevant qualifications.

Remuneration includes 2 permanent management units (PMUs), 0.6 release time, and 0.4 teaching (asrequired).

This is a career-defining opportunity to helpestablisha new specialist school and make a lasting contribution to specialist education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19)

Physical address:
374 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North