Senior Leader, Early Learning & Schooling Operations

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations. This senior leadership role provides strategic and operational leadership for early learning, schooling and student support services, shaping outcomes for ākonga and whānau.

You will oversee regulatory oversight, lead cross-system alignment, and drive continuous improvement with strong political acumen and the ability to build trusted relationships with Ministers, external partners and Māori

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within complex organisational environments, operating effectively at system level.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver integrated strategic and operational plans, including financial and budget management.
• Experience leading organisational change aligned to strategic priorities, with a strong focus on measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the design and continuous improvement of organisational systems, frameworks and processes.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strategic relationships and collaborate across agencies and sectors.
• Sound political acumen and understanding of government processes, operating effectively in complex, ambiguous environments.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, governance practices and policy implementation.
• Understanding of the education system, including early learning, schooling and student support.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in educational system design and delivery.
• Willingness to uphold the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of early learning, schooling and student support services across the system.
• Set clear direction for a modern, risk-based regulatory approach to meet statutory obligations.
• Lead integration of policy, practice and system guidance for consistent, high-quality delivery.
• Drive cross-system alignment and lead programmes for continuous improvement.
• Provide thought leadership and strategic advice that shapes system direction and cross-Ministry priorities and investment decisions.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-agency collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Policy implementation

Education sector experience

Public sector governance

Job description

Ministry of Education New Zealand is seeking a General Manager, Early Learning and Schooling Operations. This senior leadership role provides strategic and operational leadership for early learning, schooling and student support services, shaping outcomes for ākonga and whānau.

You will oversee regulatory oversight, lead cross-system alignment, and drive continuous improvement with strong political acumen and the ability to build trusted relationships with Ministers, external partners and Māori