Service Manager - Tauranga

Kumara Vine; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Mahau | Education Services in Tauranga is seeking a Service Manager to lead Learning Support teams and coordinate education services for tamariki and rangatahi. This permanent, full‑time role is based at our Tauranga Office and offers a rewarding opportunity to raise achievement and reduce disparity within New Zealand’s education system.

You will work with whānau, schools and communities, require a current driver licence, and lead complex teams, drive strategic work plans, and apply Te Tiriti

Job description

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.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here: Service Manager

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 whenatanga, 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

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 )

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 at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 25 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.