Service Manager

NZ Ministry of Education; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Ministry of Education – Tauranga, North Island, is seeking a Service Manager to lead Learning Support services and drive equitable, excellent education outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. Based in Tauranga Office, the role requires guiding complex teams and coordinating resources to respond to local needs.

The successful candidate will champion change, engage with whānau and communities, and deliver a broad range of learning support services while modelling Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

Qualifications

• Full current driver licence and willingness to travel for the role.
• Experience leading complex teams and managing workload and resources.
• Strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to engage with Māori, iwi, hapū, whānau and ākonga.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a professional Learning Support team.
• Provide strategic leadership to raise achievement and reduce disparity.
• Collaborate with whānau, communities and schools to meet local needs.
• Develop workplans aligned to organisational strategies and monitor outcomes.

Skills

Driver licence

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Data-informed decisions

Education

Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field

Equivalent practical experience

Job description

NZ Ministry of Education – Tauranga, North Island

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.

The Service Manager role presents an exciting and rewarding opportunity to raise achievement, reduce disparity and help New Zealand's young learners to be the best they can be.

We are looking for an experienced individual with management capabilities who can champion change and provide co-ordination and leadership that influences and motivates others through personal advocacy, vision and aspiration in a collaborative environment.

You will lead and work with a committed, professional team delivering a range of learning support specialist education 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, improve educational outcomes and deliver on communities' aspirations. You will have a key role facilitating the timely provision of services in response to local needs.

This permanent, full-time role is based at our Tauranga Office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. (See the following link for more information on Tauranga as a destination: Welcome to the Bay of Plenty)

Applicants who live in the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $120,193-$140,482 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

The person we are looking for to fill this role will ideally have the following capabilities and competencies:

• a full current driver licence, as travel is a requirement of this role
• experience in leading complex teams and managing workload and resource issues
• effective and efficient communication skills with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• proven ability in developing strong connections and networks across the Ministry, local education providers, iwi, communities and whānau to achieve educational priorities for the region
• demonstrated ability to engage in a culturally responsive and respectful way with Māori, iwi, hapū, whānau and ākonga
• experience at influencing and leading innovation, people, programmes and change, and fostering a collaborative and continuous-improvement-focused culture
• experience in developing and delivering workplans that align to organisational strategies and work programmes
• skills in brokering support from across the Ministry and other agencies to deliver joined up work programmes tailored to local needs
• the ability to follow through and finish complex or sensitive tasks and issues
• the ability to interpret and use data to inform and influence decision-making and monitor and report on outcomes
• the ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga, including promoting tikanga and te reo Māori
• a tertiary qualification in a relevant field (postgraduate preferred) or an equivalent level of practical experience is required
• the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Te Mahau | Education Services is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others.

Learning Support is a critical part of Te Mahau | Education Services in the Ministry. We are charged with leading the education sector in ensuring that children and young people with additional learning needs are supported to achieve their full potential through education.

Our Learning Support specialists work closely with families, whānau, caregivers, schools and early childhood educators in English and Māori medium settings and other agencies to help maximise learning outcomes and promote social inclusion. (Please see the following link: Recruitment within Learning Support - Careers in Education)

For further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 or email **************@education.govt.nz

Applications close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 24 September 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.