Service Manager

Overview

This permanent Service Manager position is based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and sits within the education sector. The role is focused on helping build an education system that achieves equitable and strong outcomes for learners.

You will lead a professional team delivering Learning Support services to tamariki and rangatahi, working closely with whānau, communities, early childhood providers, Kōhanga Reo, schools, kura, Kura Kaupapa Māori, and other Māori Medium settings. The purpose of the role is to strengthen inclusive practice, improve student achievement, and support community aspirations.

What you will do

• Guide and support a multi-disciplinary group of professionals to maintain consistent, high-quality practice and manage workload and resourcing effectively.
• Carry out people leadership duties such as coaching, performance development, and supporting staff wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively within the Learning Support Delivery Model to achieve outcomes that draw on the skills and resources of the wider sector and community.
• Partner with the integrated team to align work and support priority initiatives.
• Help build stronger responses to neurodiversity and a broad range of learning support needs.
• Drive innovation, lead people and programmes, and support change.
• Identify needs, risks, and performance concerns and act early to close gaps.
• Create effective networks across the Ministry, local education providers, iwi, communities, and whānau to support regional education priorities.
• Provide clear, data-led insights aligned to Hub 4 priorities, including demand, learner outcomes, equity for priority learners, workforce capability, and key risks and trends.
• Handle complex or sensitive matters through to completion.

About the team

This role sits within Te Mahau | Education Services. The group delivers integrated, well-designed education services that support effective operation in education settings, help remove barriers to learning and participation, and provide regulatory advice, support, and oversight to early learning providers, schools, and kura.

The Education Services Group focuses on three main areas: improving practice and guidance for national consistency with regional flexibility, delivering integrated support to education settings, and monitoring and improving service effectiveness, efficiency, equity, provider performance, and attendance and participation.

What the role offers

Salary is between NZD 120,193 and 140,482 per year plus KiwiSaver. The final salary will depend on the candidate’s skills and experience.

About you

We are looking for someone who can interpret and use data to guide decisions, with a strong commitment to identifying and reducing inequities for Māori and tracking progress over time.

You should have a solid understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and how it shapes the Ministry’s work, particularly in relation to Māori development and partnership responsibilities.

• Confidence and capability in Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga, and the ability to apply that understanding to Learning Support in ways that are culturally responsive and equitable for Māori learners and whānau.
• The ability to connect support from across the Ministry and external agencies to deliver joined-up programmes tailored to local needs, including targeted work to reduce disparities for Māori.
• Extensive experience working effectively across Māori Medium settings, including early childhood and Kura environments.
• A relevant tertiary qualification and a current full driver licence.
• The willingness and ability to uphold Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Additional information

Date advertised: 12 Jun 2026.

Job type: Permanent.

Location: Christchurch, NZ.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 12 July 2026.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should include information about the candidate’s background, values, motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the perspectives they would bring to the role.

For further information, contact Janina Konia, Manager – Integrated Services.

The organisation welcomes requests for support or adjustments to help candidates take part in the recruitment process.