Manager Planning, Integration and Improvment at NZ Qualifications Authority, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Manager, Planning Integration and Improvement

• Full time - Fixed term – until February 2027
• Wellington Based

Whakatairangatia ngā kete o te mātauranga ki te ao mārama! E te tai whakarunga, e te tai whakararo – nau piki mai, nau kake mai ki te Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa.

May the baskets of knowledge (education) be brought into the world of light. We welcome one and all to join us at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate leader to step into the running of our new Planning, Integration and Improvement Team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer Assessment Delivery (COO), this role will drive the mahi that will accelerate planning and improvement, underpinned by best evidence, data and insights gathered across multiple sources.

Mō te tūranga | About the role 

The primary purpose will be to lead and manage the planning and design for the successful delivery of the assessment cycle, working collaboratively with managers and staff across the Assessment Division and with other key stakeholders. The role will also be responsible for identifying opportunities for efficiency and where the organisation can be more effective in its assessment delivery. On a day-to-day basis, this role will oversee the planning, design, execution, and monitoring of the delivery of a number of initiatives simultaneously with a strong focus on the delivery of digital assessment. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure initiatives are planned, documented and completed on time, within scope, and within budget, while maintaining high quality standards.

A key part of the role will be the leadership of a review and improvement cycle that  role aims to harness the collective strength of teamwork, empower high-performing teams, and cultivate a culture of quality, innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability

Skills and experience

Ideally you will have programme management experience within a large organisation, or a complex environment. You will have an understanding of complex systems and will be able to use your advanced problem-solving skills to understand and solve difficult problems through identifying creative and innovative solutions.

You will be required to work with a range of teams and audiences in this role so you will need to be an excellent communicator with a strong stakeholder focus, who is able to build strong relationships across the organisation. You are someone who can negotiate effectively and work collaboratively to deliver results.

You will be a strong leader with the ability to manage teams effectively, and enable teams to meet project deliverables on time and to a high standard

He āhei āu | What you'll bring to the role 

• Extensive experience in providing planning and improvement advice and support to Senior Executives within the Public Sector.

• Proven experience of managing complex relationships, both internally and externally, with the ability to establish credibility at all levels.
• Proven project management experience, particularly in the management of multi-faceted, complex, and multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience in the initiation, development and implementation of improvement initiatives that align with divisional needs and long-term outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to stand apart from the immediacy of situations and take a broad or long-term view, foreseeing opportunities and developing workable solutions to problems.
• Experience in a central government agency and understanding of the political system (conventions, structures, functions and objectives of government) and the wider cultural, economic and education environment in which it operates.

Ngā Painga o NZQA | Why choose NZQA

NZQA is a te reo Māori learning organisation and is committed to equity and lifelong learning. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds that will enrich our understanding of the education system. We prioritise the importance of understanding tikanga in building a culturally responsive workplace.  NZQA is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment to Māori and Pacific staff and has active Māori and Pacific staff networks which contribute to NZQA's strategic action plans - Te Kōkiritanga and Takiala Pasifika.

What we can offer:

• An opportunity to make a significant impact and real difference to the lives of New Zealanders through the delivery of a credible assessment system
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• A flexible and responsive approach to managing work.
• Three NZQA Holidays days each year between Christmas and New Year and five days of domestic leave each year.
• School Holiday Childcare Subsidy.
• Health and Wellbeing reimbursement to encourage and support employees to develop and maintain good health and fitness.
• Life and Income Protection Insurance for all permanent employees under the age of 65.
• Access to a group discount health insurance scheme.
• Free annual influenza vaccinations.
• Access to staff networks, including Te Kāhui Māori and the Pasifika Staff Network.
• To find out more click here NZQA Staff Benefits

Pēhea te tono mai | How to apply 

For more information about this role and NZQA please refer to the job description, NZQA's Customer Charter and Organisational Values.

If you would like to discuss further, please contact Sheryl Ching, Chief Operating Officer on Sheryl.Ching@nzqa.govt.nz

To apply, please include your CV and cover letter, prior to or latest by 5.00 pm on 26 June 2026. 

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this role.  

NZQA is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.