Service Manager

Ministry of Education; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive induction programme

Supportive flexible environment

Job summary

Ministry of Education in New Zealand is seeking an experienced Service Manager based in Taranaki to lead a team delivering learning support services to 0-21 year olds. The role focuses on equitable, high-quality support for schools and whānau, with collaboration across ministries and communities.

The successful candidate will manage a well-established team, broker cross-agency support, and drive change through leadership, te ao Māori understanding, and data-informed decision making.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading complex teams delivering services.
• Ability to develop strong connections with the Ministry, schools, iwi and whānau.
• Experience influencing and leading innovation, people, programmes and change.
• Ability to use and interpret data to influence decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead service delivery through a team of committed professionals delivering learning support services.
• Provide equitable and excellent support for schools, students and whānau.
• Broker support from across the Ministry and other agencies for local programmes.
• Lead change through leadership and management to motivate others.
• Ensure service responsiveness is maximised and issues are addressed.

Skills

Leading complex teams

Stakeholder engagement

Data interpretation

Change management

Driver's license

Collaboration across agencies

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand Help 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

Permanent position based in Taranaki We are looking for an experienced manager who will lead service delivery through a team of committed professionals, delivering a range of learning support services to children and young people from 0-21 years. This is a permanent position. You will lead a well-established, high functioning team to provide equitable and excellent support for schools, students and their whānau.

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.

About you | Mōhou ake

• Experience in leading complex teams delivering services.
• Develop strong connections and networks across the Ministry, local education providers, iwi, communities and whānau to achieve educational priorities for the region.
• Broker support from across the Ministry and other agencies to deliver integrated work programmes tailored to local needs.
• Experience at influencing and leading innovation, people, programmes, and change.
• Ability to follow through and finish complex or sensitive tasks and issues.
• Ability to use and interpret data including the ability to use information to influence decisions.
• Manages and monitors client access systems to ensure service responsiveness is maximised.
• Ability to identify positive educational outcomes for parents, principals and early learning services through effective relationship building.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Current full driver's licence.

You will also offer:

• The ability to lead change through leadership and management that influences and motivates others through personal advocacy, vision and aspiration in a collaborative environment
• Knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

We offer a supportive, flexible working environment and a comprehensive induction programme. In this role, the Service Manager will be leading a team of Speech Language Therapists, Special Education Advisers, Educational Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Advisors of Deaf Children, Kaitakaweanga and Early Intervention Teachers. Together, you will ensure high-quality support is delivered where and when it is needed most, making a meaningful difference for children, young people, and their whānau.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Regional education teams work alongside schools, kura and communities to achieve equitable education outcomes for all ākonga. Teams deliver projects to address the needs of ākonga by drawing on kōtahitanga (unity and vision), delivering services, building relationships and implementing strategy with a local lense. Our dedicated Learning Support team delivers an innovative, flexible response to ākonga and whānau catering to identified needs.

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

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. For further information, please contact Brigitte Luke, Manager Integrated Services at [e-mail].

Applications close Midnight - Sunday 1 November 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.