Programme Manager, Establishment Unit - 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 

This is a fixed term role for a term of two years. This will ensure the development and transition of School Property to the new entity is well supported and managed. 

The Programme Manager, Establishment Unit develops and implements the work programme and priorities to set up the Establishment Unit for the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA). 

You will be responsible for managing the delivery of the identified workstreams that will ensure the design, implementation and transition of School Property to a new model is effective and efficient. This will include overseeing the planning, coordination and delivery of all programme components, ensuring alignment with government objectives, stakeholder expectations and legislation requirements.
Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 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 Programme Manager Establishment Unit 

About you | Mōhou ake 

To be successful in the role as the Programme Manager, Establishment Unit you will have experience and understanding of programme management, delivery and implementation across complex contexts. With deep experience of what it takes to contribute to a highly dynamic and fast paced programme of work. 

You will also offer: 

• People and operational leadership experience, working at a senior level and managing the development and delivery of complex, cross-functional projects, or programmes.

• Experience in leading, developing and delivering operational programmes and/or products and projects within budget, timeline and scope boundaries. 

• Experience of applying programme, project and change management disciplines to deliver outcomes.

• Experience in leading organisational change that delivers intended outcomes.

• Experience building and leading inclusive and diverse teams and creating a respectful, open and responsive culture.

• Experience in managing external partners and providers to achieve shared outcomes.

• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes

• Excellent knowledge of change management principles with sound business case development and approvals skills.

• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct. 

This is a new team, set up specifically to drive the transformation of School Property to a new entity. The team are well supported by the Functional Chief Executive, a Ministerial Advisory Group and supportive colleagues and team members from across the business.

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. 

As part of the response to the Government’s decisions following the independent Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, the School Property group is now led by a Chief Executive for School Property, who reports directly to the Minister for Education. We have put in place an improvement programme which responds to the Government's school property review recommendations. 

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 Megan Reid, Change Consultant at megan.reid@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Thursday 7 August 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.