Service Manager

Role overview

This permanent Service Manager position is based in Porirua, New Zealand, and sits within the Ministry of Education. The role is focused on helping improve learner achievement, closing inequities, and supporting young people to thrive across Aotearoa.

What you will do

You will provide leadership to a dedicated professional team delivering Learning Support services. The role requires you to guide change, influence others through strong advocacy and clear direction, and work collaboratively in a values-driven environment.

You and your team will partner with whānau, communities, early childhood providers, Kōhanga Reo, schools, kura, Kura Kaupapa Māori, and other Māori medium settings to strengthen inclusive practice, improve achievement, and support community aspirations.

About the organisation

The Ministry of Education is committed to building an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes. Its people come from many backgrounds and cultures and work across different teams with a shared goal of making a meaningful difference for learners.

Within Te Mahau | Education Services, the group supports education settings through integrated services, regulatory support, guidance, monitoring, and improvement work that helps remove barriers to participation and learning.

Team priorities

• Develop and manage practice and guidance that improves national coordination while preserving regional flexibility.
• Deliver integrated education support directly to settings through regional and national services and maintain key stakeholder relationships.
• Monitor performance, recommend improvements in efficiency, equity, and effectiveness, and intervene where required to support learner outcomes.

Candidate profile

The preferred applicant will be an experienced manager with strong team leadership capability and a track record of leading complex service-delivery teams. You should be able to build and sustain a collaborative culture that values continuous improvement and aligns work programmes to organisational strategy.

A relevant tertiary qualification is expected, preferably at postgraduate level, although equivalent practical experience will also be considered. A full driver licence is required because the job involves travel across the region. You must also be willing to work in line with Public Service standards of integrity and conduct.

Salary and conditions

The pay range for this role is NZD 120,193 to NZD 140,482 per year, plus KiwiSaver. The final offer will reflect the selected candidate’s skills and experience.

This is a permanent full-time position. Applications close at midnight on Friday, 26 June 2026.

Application process

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV. The cover letter should include information about your values, motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspective you would bring to the position.

For more information about the role, contact Damian Hepi Te Huia, Manager Integrated Services.

Accessibility and inclusion

The organisation values individual differences and wants employees to feel a genuine sense of belonging. Support and adjustments are available for candidates who need help taking part in the recruitment process.