Operations Team Leader

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) (Proposed opening date: 2027-07-19); Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Ohanui (Palmerston North Specialist School) invites applications for an Operations Team Leader to help shape the systems, culture and strategic direction of our new specialist school opening in 2027.

Based in Palmerston North, you will oversee staffing coordination, timetabling, relief staffing, transport, health and safety, EOTC processes and core operations while leading a team of educators. A current NZ teacher registration and qualifications are required.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of complex teams and programs.
• Experience coordinating staffing, timetables and student transport.
• Knowledge of health and safety, risk management and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staffing coordination, timetabling, and relief staffing.
• Manage transport, health and safety, and EOTC processes.
• Lead and support educators; work with whānau and external agencies.

Skills

Strong leadership

Systems management

Staffing coordination

Communication & relationship-building

Education

New Zealand teacher registration

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.

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

Primary and intermediate (Years 1-8) / kura tuatahi, Other senior leadership

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.

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