Senior Leader, Early Learning & Schooling Operations

Rothley; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education in New Zealand seeks a General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across early learning, schooling and student support services. You will shape regulatory approach, embed the ministry’s vision, and drive improvements that raise outcomes for ākonga and whānau.

You will lead complex organisational change, align policy with practice, and build trusted relationships with Ministers and iwi, delivering measurable

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within large, complex organisations or systems.
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and outcomes.
• Proven track record in financial management and budget oversight.
• Experience leading organisational change aligned with strategic priorities.
• Strong ability to build trusted relationships with Ministers, partners and Māori/iwi.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for early learning, schooling and student support services.
• Set direction for a modern, risk-based regulatory approach ensuring statutory compliance.
• Lead integration of policy, practice and system guidance to support high-quality delivery.
• Drive cross-system alignment and lead improvement programmes.
• Offer strategic advice that shapes system direction and investment decisions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy and governance

Financial & budget management

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Political acumen

Cross-system collaboration

Job description

Ministry of Education in New Zealand seeks a General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across early learning, schooling and student support services. You will shape regulatory approach, embed the ministry’s vision, and drive improvements that raise outcomes for ākonga and whānau.

You will lead complex organisational change, align policy with practice, and build trusted relationships with Ministers and iwi, delivering measurable