Programme Manager, Collective Bargaining - Wellington
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
Fixed term or secondment opportunity until 30 June 2026
Wellington-based
We are seeking a Programme Manager, Collective Bargaining to lead impactful employment relations programmes, as part of our Employment Relations team. There are approximately 15 collective agreements within the education sector and this is a strategic leadership opportunity to manage collective bargaining and pay equity programmes.
In this role, you will:
Lead the programme workflow for the Employment Relations team, including collective bargaining and pay equity claims.
Manage timelines, resources, and delivery of all bargaining materials and processes.
Liaise with key stakeholders including the Public Service Commission, unions, and internal teams.
Oversee the implementation of settled collective agreements.
Ensure alignment with government policy, good faith requirements, and organisational goals.
Provide leadership to negotiation teams and mentor staff.
Monitor progress, manage risks, and report on outcomes.
Salary range $140,146 - $170,196 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. 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
You’re a confident and experienced leader with a strong background in programme and project management, particularly in the public sector. You thrive in complex environments and bring people together to deliver meaningful outcomes.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Proven team leadership and project management experience.
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience in collective agreement negotiations and employment relations with advanced knowledge of employment relations.
Ability to develop and deliver strategic workplans aligned to organisational priorities.
Sound understanding of public sector processes and labour market issues.
Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
A collaborative, inclusive leadership style with a commitment to equity and diversity.
Proficiency in tools such as MS Office, MS Project, and Visio.
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Our group, Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga, leads the sector workforce employment relations, the relationship with Education Payroll Limited and we hold the responsibility for bargaining. We support the organisation so that the key role of the education sector workforce is integrated into their work programmes and services.
Our Employment Relations team works to ensure current and up to date conditions of employment are in place for people working in schools and kura around the country. We are a small but focused team of specialists who work closely with schools, education sector unions, and peak bodies to set conditions and resolve employment relations challenges within the education sector.
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 Tim Tucker, Manager Employment Relations and Payroll Operations at Tim.Tucker@education.govt.nz.
Applications close Midnight – Monday 17 November 2025.
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.
