Infrastructure Manager, Asset Planning - Multiple Locations
Locations:
Lower Hutt, Palmerston North, Whanganui, New Plymouth.
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
This full-time, permanent role is preferably based in Lower Hutt, though we welcome applicants from Palmerston North, Whanganui and New Plymouth. Candidates based in these locations will need to travel regularly to our Lower Hutt office.
As an Infrastructure Manager, Asset Planning, you'll provide expert advice on school infrastructure investment, ensuring resources are allocated wisely for both short- and long-term needs.
You'll collaborate with regional teams, guide decision-making, resolve property-related issues, and build strong relationships with stakeholders. Your work will shape the future of school property networks, balancing sustainability, accessibility, and functionality to support every learner.
Why this role matters
As an Infrastructure Manager, Asset Planning, you will provide strategic asset management advice, ensuring optimal investment decisions for individual schools and schooling networks. You’ll collaborate with regional and national teams, lead issue resolution, and contribute to the Ministry’s vision of inclusive, accessible, and sustainable education infrastructure.
Lead strategic asset planning to guide investment decisions.
Provide expert infrastructure advice to regional teams.
Manage risks and stakeholder relationships to enhance service delivery.
Support school network design by ensuring property portfolio alignment.
Lead and develop a high-performing team to deliver key outcomes.
Salary range: $107,120 - $160,680 per annum + 3% 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
To be successful in the role, you’ll be working collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders, developing relationships at senior levels.
You will also offer:
Relevant qualification or experience in Asset Management, Infrastructure Planning, Property, or Project Management.
Proven team leadership and stakeholder engagement experience.
Strong strategic thinking and ability to manage complex workflows.
Proficiency in data and working in Excel.
Ability to build relationships and successfully collaborate in cross functional teams
Knowledge of government processes, legislation, and budgeting.
Experience in contract management, preferably in construction or property.
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
You'll be joining a collaborative, purpose-driven team that plays a vital role in shaping New Zealand’s education infrastructure. We value strategic thinking, problem-solving, and strong relationships, ensuring that our work leads to practical, long-term solutions for schools. With a mix of flexibility, professional growth, and impactful projects, this role offers opportunities to develop leadership skills, influence decision-making, and contribute to a portfolio that directly affects students and communities.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion. Our team is responsible for the portfolio, including school engagement, asset management, capital works delivery, investment planning and portfolio management.
We have a responsibility to invest in property solutions that demonstrate value for money while still delivering the right outcome for our schools and kura. Demand for new or improved school property across the country is high, and the way we meet these needs is to do so more efficiently. We have set financial and timeliness targets for our programme, and we’re looking to improve our planning and delivery, as well as working proactively and collaboratively with schools and the construction sector. This will ensure that our property projects deliver value and are part of an affordable and deliverable programme of works.
The School Property group is led by a Functional Chief Executive for School Property, who reports directly to the Minister for Education. In July 2025 the Government announced it will establish a Crown agent to manage school property, to be called the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA). Implementation of the NZSPA is expected in 2026, subject to the legislation being passed.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. 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 Kathryn Yorke, Regional Infrastructure Manager at Kathryn.Yorke@education.govt.nz.
Applications close Midnight – Sunday 15 March 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.
