Job Description

TEC invests approximately $3 billion annually in tertiary education and leads Careers NZ. Our mission is to equip all New Zealanders for lifelong success. We invest, monitor, and provide information to support the Tertiary Education Strategy.  More about us at  www.tec.govt.nz

He angitūtanga: About the Role

You'll provide strategic and operational advice to support design and implementation of the vocational education reform programme following the December 2024 legislation. Your work will support the establishment of regional institutes and Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) from 1 January 2026. You will work under the Programme Manager - VET Redesign across multiple workstreams, in a dynamic and evolving environment. Key accountabilities include:

Strategic advice

• Deliver proactive or on‑demand high‑quality written and verbal advice to decision makers, including TEC Board, CE, DCE Delivery, Steering/Governance groups and industry‑sector stakeholders.

Cross‑agency engagement

• Represent TEC at inter‑agency meetings, respond to queries from partner departments, collaborate with Ministry of Education, NZQA and others.

Industry engagement

• Prepare engagement materials and lead discussions with industry associations and employers.
• Gather, analyse and present sector insights.
• Support TEC senior staff in sector forums.

Stakeholder management

• Build and maintain relationships with TEOs, ISB Establishment Unit, Ministry/NZQA project teams.

Health, safety & wellbeing

• Ensure awareness of TEC's policies, actively report and manage risks and hazards.

He kōrero mōu: What we are looking for:

Essential skills, knowledge and experience required for the role:

• Extensive knowledge of tertiary and vocational education systems (especially work-based learning), funding and operations.
• Experience with industry partners in vocational learning.
• Excellent communication, organisational, analytical and risk‑management skills.
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement capability.
• Able to operate under pressure, manage ambiguity and adapt to change.
• Clear, concise writing skills and ability to craft strategic advice.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What's in it for you

• A range of benefits including flexible working options, a wellness programme and the ability to purchase extra leave.
• A motivated and supportive manager, keen to make the most of your skill set
• Reduced premiums through our Health Insurance Group Scheme

The salary range for this position starts from $128K up to $150K depending on demonstrable skills and experience.

Me pēhea te tuku tono: How to Apply

To view the job description and/or apply for the role, please click ‘Apply For This Job' or visit the TEC Careers Portal.

If this sounds like you, please apply now for this great opportunity with your tailored Cover Letter and CV demonstrating:

1. Experience delivering high‑quality strategic advice within TEC or a relevant education sector context.
2. Your approach to stakeholder and industry engagement, and how you have navigated complexity.

The closing date for this role is 1:00pm, Wednesday 4 August 2025. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact hr@tec.govt.nz.

Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Prior to the Tertiary Education Commission confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.

The TEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.