Service Delivery Manager - Wellington

Kumara Vine; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 121,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Kumara Vine in Wellington is seeking an experienced Service Delivery Manager to support national delivery of Healthy School Lunches. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team and partner with iwi and hapū to ensure equitable outcomes for ākonga.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a track record in end-to-end programme delivery within the public or social sector. Applicants should have experience managing remote staff and translating Cabinet intent into practical actions.

Qualifications

• Credibility and mana working within Māori communities and settings.
• Experience partnering with iwi and hapū to design and manage programmes.
• Proven track record delivering national programmes end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of national programmes and projects.
• Manage a multi-disciplinary team of Senior Advisors.
• Champion the Iwi Hapū provision model and partner with schools.
• Translate Cabinet intent into everyday practice and outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Strategic thinking

Māori engagement

Project/Change management

Education

Relevant qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

We work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent 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.

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.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

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.

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.

You will also offer:

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

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.

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.

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

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.