Service Delivery Manager

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

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a Service Delivery Manager to lead the national Healthy School Lunches programme within Strategic Programmes. You will manage the Iwi Hapū provision model, support schools and kura, and coach a multi-disciplinary team of senior advisors.

You will translate Cabinet intent into outcomes and drive continuous improvement. The role requires strong Māori engagement, programme delivery experience, and strategic leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience leading national programmes and projects.
• Ability to work with iwi and hapū; strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of public sector delivery structures and systems.
• Te reo Māori and tikanga proficiency is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end delivery of national programmes and projects.
• Oversee the Iwi Hapū provision model and remote team.
• Champion strategic model design and outcomes; drive improvements.
• Lead stakeholder engagement across schools, iwi, hapū and agencies.

Skills

Māori engagement

Stakeholder management

Project management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Relevant qualification or equivalent experience

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 position based in Wellington, within Strategic Programmes. We are seeking an experienced Service Delivery Manager to support the national provision of the Healthy School Lunches programme. The Service Delivery Manager is responsible for the management and continuous improvement of the Iwi Hapū model, in addition to managing a team of multi-disciplinary Senior Advisors across the Healthy School Lunches programme.

• Demonstrated credibility, mana and confidence working within Māori communities and settings
• Experience working in partnership with iwi and hapū around the motu to design, implement and manage programmes of work by Māori, for Māori
• Demonstrated experience in managing the end-to-end delivery of national programmes and projects
• An innovative mindset with the ability to translate ideas into actions and outcomes
• A sound understanding of Project and/or Change Management methodologies relevant to the delivery of social programmes
• A sound understanding of commercial service agreements and management within a Māori setting
• Evidence of strong leadership skills, the ability to build a high preforming team and coach and develop staff
• Demonstrated experience in managing remote staff members and building an inclusive team environment
• A strategic mindset and the ability to translate Cabinet intent into everyday practice and outcomes

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 Service Delivery Manager

About you | Mōhou ake As the Service Delivery Manager you will champion the Iwi Hapū provision model, working with iwi and hapū around the motu to partner directly with schools and kura to respond to the needs of their tamariki and mokopuna. You are comfortable using your interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, setting and achieving standards, as well as developing relationships at senior levels. You will take a strategic and data driven approach when informing and improving model design, and leading your team, to move the iwi hapū model from an endorsed representative model to a true provider partnership.

• High proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga
• A relevant qualification or equivalent level of practical experience
• A sound understanding of the machinery of government and public sector delivery structures and systems
• Evidence of strong leadership and capability development for remote teams
• Sound risk management
• Experience leading change initiatives
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

The Strategic Programmes team and our Iwi and Hapū partners work across Aotearoa. You'll be joining a flexible and diverse leadership team who enjoy having fun, while working hard to ensure ākonga at eligible schools and kura receive kai to support their engagement in learning.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake The Strategic Programmes team leads the delivery, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Healthy School Lunches, ECE Food, and Ikura programmes, ensuring eligible learners across Aotearoa have access to nutritious food and free period products to support participation in learning. We work closely with schools, kura, suppliers, iwi, hapū, government agencies, and community partners to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions that meet the needs of diverse communities. The team is responsible for informing and implementing programme strategy, service delivery, innovation, quality assurance, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. We are committed to achieving equitable outcomes for ākonga.

Te Mahau | Education Services has accountability for delivering national equity and access services, support to early learning and schooling operations, ākonga support services and improvement services for schooling and early learning.

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

For further information, please contact Andrew Gibson, General Manager, Strategic Programmes at [e-mail]

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 28 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.