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
We're establishing two new, permanent Manager, Business Operations roles – in Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data and Te Mahau | Education Services. Both are based in Wellington.
This is a rare chance to build a function from the ground up. You'll lead a team delivering the operational services that keep a large business group running well, including:
Finance – financial planning, budgeting and forecasting
People – recruitment coordination and workforce planning
Risk – risk management and business continuity
Planning and reporting – business planning and performance reporting
Ministerial servicing
You'll design how these services work and lead new ways of working with the Ministry's corporate functions so your group gets tailored, efficient support. These are broad and influential roles, combining technical experience and credibility, people leadership, process improvement and stakeholder engagement.
Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 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 Manager Business Operations
About you | Mōhou ake
This role needs someone who can hit the ground running. We're looking for an experienced team manager who has already delivered across most or all of the areas above.
You'll bring:
A proven track record of leading, managing and developing high-performing teams
Hands-on experience across most or all of: finance and budgeting, workforce planning and recruitment, risk and business continuity, planning and reporting, and ministerial servicing
Strong financial literacy, including government financial processes
Solid machinery of government knowledge – accountability cycles, performance measures, HR processes, audit and assurance
The credibility to influence senior leaders and build strong relationships with corporate services, digital and data, and regional teams
Strategic thinking, backed by disciplined planning, prioritisation and delivery
Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills
Commitment to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
Why you should apply
Build something new – shape a brand-new function and set the standard for how it runs
Real influence – work alongside the leadership team of a major business group
Breadth – few roles span finance, people, risk, planning and ministerial work in one place
Purpose – your work helps deliver services that matter to learners, whānau and educators
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Te Mahau | Education Services provides integrated national and regional services that help early learning services, schools and kura operate well, remove barriers to learning, and lift achievement and participation. Its priorities are practice and guidance, integrated delivery, and monitoring and improvement.
Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data leads digital and data for the Ministry and the education sector. It sets the Ministry's digital strategy, builds and runs the platforms the Ministry relies on, and turns data into trusted insights – making education services simpler, smarter and better for ākonga and their whānau.
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 our recruitment team at MinEd.Recruitment@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight Wednesday 11 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.
