Service Manager

New Zealand Government Joba; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Extra leave days

Employee networks

Cultural competency journey

Mentorship programs

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Ministry of Education seeks a Service Manager to lead Learning Support services for Tamariki and rangatahi in the Christchurch region. You will work with whānau, communities, schools and Māori Medium settings to strengthen inclusive practices and raise achievement.

You will manage a multi-disciplinary team, oversee HR, and drive collaboration across the sector to deliver equitable outcomes. A relevant qualification and driver's licence are required.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and use data to inform decisions.
• Strong focus on identifying, understanding, and reducing inequities in outcomes for Māori.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and implications for the work of the Ministry.
• Ability to weave Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga into Learning Support work.
• Experience across Māori Medium settings (early childhood and Kura).
• Current full driver’s licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary professional team to ensure high‑quality, consistent practice and manage workload and resources.
• Fulfil HR responsibilities, including coaching, performance development, and staff wellbeing.
• Collaborate within the Learning Support Delivery Model to achieve positive outcomes with sector and community partners.
• Align integrated team efforts to priority work and strengthen sector responses to neurodiversity.
• Influence innovation, people, programmes and change, and address risks proactively.
• Develop strong networks across the Ministry, local providers, iwi, communities and whānau to meet regional priorities.
• Provide data-informed insights aligned to regional priorities, including equity and priority learners’ outcomes.

Skills

Data interpretation

Te Reo Māori

Equity focus

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Driver's licence

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand The Service Manager role presents an exciting and rewarding opportunity to work in an organisation committed to raising achievement and reducing disparity Permanent, full-time role based in the Christchurch/Ōtautahi office Help shape the future of Education

He mea tārai e mātou te mātauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai ōna huanga.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 ākonga in our education system.

Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown. We are committed to having Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the forefront of our work for and with Māori students, their whānau, hapū and iwi.

About this role

You will lead and work with a committed professional team delivering a range of Learning Support services to tamariki and rangatahi. You and your team will work with whānau, communities, early childhood providers/Kōhanga Reo, schools/kura, Kura Kaupapa Māori and other Māori Medium settings to strengthen inclusive practices, raise student achievement and deliver on communities' aspirations.

As a successful applicant you will be able to:

• Lead and support a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to ensure high-quality, consistent practice and effective processes to manage workload and resource issues
• Fulfil HR responsibilities, including coaching, performance development, and supporting staff wellbeing
• Take a collaborative approach within the context of the Learning Support Delivery Model to achieve positive outcomes that draw on the combined resources and expertise of the sector, services, and wider community
• Work with the integrated team to align efforts and support priority work
• Strengthen sector responses to neurodiversity and a wide range of learning support needs
• Influence and lead innovation, people, programmes, and change
• Assess needs, risks, and performance issues and address gaps proactively
• Develop strong integrated connections and networks across the Ministry, local education providers, iwi, communities and whānau to achieve educational priorities for the region
• Provide clear, data-informed insights aligned to regional priorities, including demand, outcomes, equity for priority learners, workforce capacity, and key risks and trends to inform improvement and planning
• Have the capacity to follow through on complex or sensitive tasks and issues

Salary range: $120,193 - $140,482 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

We also offer

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported
• The ability to purchase extra days leave
• A range of employee network groups
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing

About you

We're looking for a person with the ability to interpret and use data to inform decisions, with a strong focus on identifying, understanding, and reducing inequities in outcomes for Māori, and to monitor and report on progress over time.

You will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and its implications for the work of the Ministry of Education especially in matters relating to Māori development and the partnership values that flow from the Treaty.

You will also demonstrate:

• Confidence and competence in Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga and be able to weave this expertise into the work of Learning Support in ways that promote equitable and culturally responsive services for Māori learners and whānau
• An ability to broker support from across the Ministry and other agencies to deliver joined up work programmes tailored to local needs, including targeted responses to reduce disparities for Māori
• Significant experience and the ability to work effectively across and in Māori Medium settings (e.g. both early childhood and Kura)
• A relevant tertiary qualification and a current full driver's licence.

About our ministry, group, and team

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau.

Are you ready to make a difference?

We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.

In your Cover Letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa or anything you'd like to share about your cultural identity. We're keen to know your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For more information you are welcome to email: [e-mail]

Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 20 October 2026

Interviews are expected to take place at the end of October and/or in early November 2026. The successful applicant will commence in January 2027 (or by agreement).

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.