Senior Policy Manager, System Policy - 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.

• Great opportunity for a results-driven leader

• Priority policy area for Government

• Collegial and supportive team culture

We are looking for a Senior Policy Manager to lead the Education System Policy team in Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy group. 

This role will suit an experienced people leader, with strong policy leadership capability, excellent relationship management skills, and public sector experience in a policy management or an advisory role.

You’ll also think strategically about how to achieve the policy goals of Government across the education sector.  

Your role will be to provide people and policy leadership and to focus on developing your team within our policy group. You’ll join a supportive management team and a policy shop that is driven to make a difference for Aotearoa. 

You will report to the General Manager, System, Connections and Early Learning. 

In this role you will be leading a team that works on some of the most significant and long-standing education policy challenges across early learning, schooling and tertiary education. The team’s policy work aims to drive a shift in New Zealand’s education system toward a stronger culture of performance, including through better use of data, accountability and system levers. 

The Education System Policy team drives big-picture thinking, strategy development, policy analysis, foresight and stewardship analysis, and advice on leading change in a complex education system. For example, the team develops the Ministry’s Long-term Insights Briefing, using futures thinking tools to anticipate and plan for emerging challenges. The team is committed to providing advice on the changes needed to build an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. 

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 Policy Manager

About you | Mōhou ake 

We would like to hear from you if you have proven policy management experience, and 

• 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

• enjoy looking beyond the immediate presenting problem to consider the desired outcome and end state, and look at how to get there or achieve that end state, thinking about complex systems, ambiguity and how to shape a different future

• 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 drive and influence policy direction.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

The Education System Policy Team looks at policy issues that cut across the system as a whole from ECE through schooling into tertiary education and has a particular focus on system thinking as it undertakes its policy work. The team sits within the Systems, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group. 

The Systems, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group provides advice and stewardship across the education system, building connections and relationships domestically and internationally, with a particular strength and depth in the early learning and system policy. Alongside the Education System Policy Team, the Group also two ECE policy teams (focusing on Investment and Regulation), the Crown Entity Monitoring and Appointments Team (responsible for monitoring the three education Crown Entities) and the International Cooperation and and Engagement Team (which manages New Zealand’s bilateral educational engagement with other countries and bodies such as the OECD and UNESCO). 

The Group leads interesting and challenging work programmes aimed at strengthening education at a systems level to ensure that it is inclusive, responsive, delivers equitable outcomes for all learner groups and delivers on Government’s priorities. Our work sits across social and economic policy, and we work closely with other government agencies including MSD, Oranga Tamariki, IRD, Treasury, ERO, TEC, NZQA, MBIE, ENZ, and others. 

Te Pou Kaupapahere is 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. We hold the relationship with all Ministers and provide integrated policy advice to them. We collaborate across government organisations so our advice to Ministers is joined up. 

We’re proud of the culture in our policy teams. We appreciate and support each other and develop strong relationships that underpin our ability to deliver good work. 

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 John Brooker, General Manager, System, Connections and Early Learning at john.brooker@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Friday 14 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.