Principal Advisor, Secondary Transitions

Role overview

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Christchurch, New Zealand. The role offers a chance to contribute to improved educational pathways for young people by supporting smoother movement from schooling into further study, training, and work.

As Principal Advisor, Secondary Transitions, you will provide specialist change support and strategic guidance to education leaders across the region. The focus is on helping learners progress through NCEA and into employment, while advancing equitable outcomes. The position also contributes to the rollout of Ka Hikitia and the Action Plan for Pacific Education.

You will work with clusters of schools, secondary schools, wharekura, tertiary providers, iwi, communities, and employers to respond to NCEA changes, strengthen achievement and retention, and build local partnerships that create better career pathways for young people. The role also involves developing practical, innovative options for students who are not engaged or who find mainstream settings difficult.

A flexible, adaptable approach is essential, along with experience in managing change and using data to guide decisions. The regional work programme is reviewed regularly so priorities stay aligned with current needs.

The salary band is NZD 119,171 to NZD 131,865 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The final offer will depend on the successful candidate’s capability and experience.

About the team

Te Mahau is a frontline group that provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and related communities. Its work includes learning support, advice, regulation, and network functions for kōhanga, schools, kura, and early learning services, delivered in response to local education priorities.

The team builds on strong regional and local relationships, including deep connections with iwi and hapū. It also works to strengthen support for Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga, ākonga with learning support needs, and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What you will do

• Support regional education leaders with specialist advice and change leadership.
• Help schools and providers improve student progression into further education, training, and employment.
• Work with schools, wharekura, tertiary providers, iwi, communities, and employers to improve transitions and outcomes.
• Contribute to the implementation of Ka Hikitia and the Action Plan for Pacific Education.
• Develop strategies that lift achievement and retention across the region.
• Assist providers in building strong local employer partnerships that lead to better career opportunities for young people.
• Create practical alternative responses for students who are disengaged or struggle in mainstream environments.
• Use data and regional insight to support planning, reporting, and decision-making.

What we are looking for

• Strong experience working with clusters of schools, secondary schools, and tertiary providers.
• Proven ability to help design new strategies that improve achievement and retention.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to work diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in education and/or leadership, with the ability to support professional change at school level.
• Confidence using data and relevant knowledge to inform regional insight, planning, and reporting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with local employers, tertiary providers, schools, iwi, and communities.
• A full driver’s licence, as travel is required.
• Willingness to follow Public Service standards of integrity and conduct.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV. The cover letter should explain your background, values, motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspective you would bring to the role.

For more information, the hiring manager named in the listing can be contacted directly.

Applications close at midnight on Friday, 10 July 2026.

Additional information

If you need support or adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, you can request assistance. The organisation also emphasises valuing individual differences and fostering a sense of belonging for its people.