Senior Manager, Tertiary System Performance Analysis - 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 full-time permanent role based in Wellington.
If you answer yes to these, this could be the role for you!
Are you interested in influencing policy priorities for New Zealand’s education system?
Do you have a passion for ‘big picture’ analysis and advice?
Are you looking for complex, interesting and varied work that develops your career?
This is a great opportunity for results-driven leaders to contribute to priority education areas for Government and work within a collegial and supportive team culture.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Manager to lead the Tertiary System Performance Analysis team in our Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy group.
The Tertiary System Performance Analysis team supports tertiary education policy with relevant, quality and timely evidence and data on the tertiary education system. The work programme includes analytical support for policy work, more in-depth analytical research pieces, regular statistical reporting and monitoring of sector performance, and forecasts and models to inform budgets and costings. It spans all aspects of the tertiary education system including access, achievement, investment, quality, and post-study outcomes, often focusing on key population and learner groups.
This role will suit an experienced people leader, with strong leadership capability, excellent relationship management skills, and public sector experience in a management or senior advisory role.
Your role will be to:
provide people leadership and develop your team within our policy group
manage the creation and use of evidence to support the Ministry’s policy development, service design and practice
and manage the Ministry’s role in the wider stewardship of tertiary education data
You’ll join a supportive management team and a policy shop that is driven to make a difference for Aotearoa.
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 Senior Manager Tertiary System Performance Analysis
About you | Mōhou ake
We would like to hear from you if you have proven management experience, and.
have proven experience leading strategic data analysis and strong understanding of data governance, analytics frameworks, and public sector systems
have proven ability to develop and lead multiple complex and sensitive cross-Ministry policy projects or programmes of work, to deliver on Ministerial priorities and the Ministry’s outcomes
demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
thrive in a fast-paced policy environment
have established strong working relationships across key government agencies to ensure effective management of cross-government programmes
have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
In return, we can offer you the opportunity to contribute to a high profile, challenging and ambitious agenda for change, a strong focus on the development of our people, and the ability to inform and influence policy direction.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Collectively, Te Pou Kaupapahere are responsible for whole-of-system, end-to-end policy integration covering early learning, compulsory schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and Learning Support and international education policy.
We hold the relationship with all education Ministers and provide integrated policy advice to them. We collaborate across government organisations so our advice to Ministers is joined up.
We work to develop strong internal relationships as well as working closely with other central education agencies and other parts of the government. We use high quality research and evidence of what works and are informed by knowledge held by our frontline colleagues.
Our group works closely with other groups across the Ministry of Education, and together we hold relationships with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, that support the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We hold the regulatory stewardship function, taking a whole-of-system, lifecycle view across for the entire education system, as well as for each regulatory subsystem.
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 Katrina Sutich, General Manager, Tertiary Policy at Katrina.Sutich@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight Thursday 13 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.
