Job Description

Team Manager Operational Policy & Implementation

Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua, the Tertiary Education Commission - is a small Crown agency with a big job to do - ensuring New Zealanders have the skills and the knowledge they need to build a great life, and ensure New Zealand thrives. We invest over $3.5 billion annually across the tertiary education and careers systems.

If you're looking for your “why”, then come and join us at TEC. We truly believe in the transformational benefits of education and vocational training and seek to lift the aspirations and skill bases of all New Zealanders.

We value collaboration, integrity, and service by working together to make a meaningful difference for all New Zealanders. If you're passionate about education and want to help design operational policy that drives real impact, this is a great opportunity.

This is a fixed term role to cover parental leave through to 19 April 2027. It is estimated the successful candidate would start in the role in March 2026.

He angitūtanga: About the Role

The Operational Policy & Implementation group uses collaborative design to bridge the gap between tertiary funding policies and their implementation, driving positive outcomes for Aotearoa's learners, communities, and employers.

The Team Manager Operational Policy & Implementation leads the Senior Advisors and Advisors within the group and reports to the Manager Operational Policy & Implementation alongside Principal Advisors. This role is pivotal in connecting strategy to delivery, fostering collaboration across directorates, and ensuring our policies work for learners, providers, and stakeholders.

Collectively, the focus of the group is to:

• Advise on the implementation of policy proposals and settings
• Design operational policy solutions that deliver on policy intent and support organisational strategy
• Support the Ministry of Education to develop secondary legislation that governs funding for tertiary education and lead the development of funding conditions
• Provide advice and guidance on the interpretation of legislation and related policy products

He kōrero mōu: What we are looking for

We're looking for a confident and collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about shaping operational policy that makes a real difference. You will bring a mix of strategic thinking and practical delivery skills, with the ability to lead and inspire a team. Your experience will enable you to navigate complex policy and operational challenges, and your communication skills will help you build strong relationships internally and externally. Your skills enable you to:

• Lead a team and develop a high-performance culture
• Lead with emotional intelligence and be passionate about people development
• Effectively commission work and allocate resources
• Take strategy and policy and turn it into a successful, implementable activity
• Apply exceptional writing skills and combine attention to detail with strategic oversight to ensure work is accurate, makes the complex simple, is consistent, and aligned with intent
• Work collaboratively and with influence within the group, across the business, and with external government and sector stakeholders

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

• Three additional (TEC Days) leave days
• A range of benefits including flexible working options and a wellness programme
• A motivated and supportive manager and leadership team, keen to make the most of your skill set
• Reduced premiums through our Health Insurance Group Scheme
• A focus on Career development and internal opportunities
• At TEC we are committed to supporting a range of flexible working arrangements to help staff manage their work and personal commitments; we expect team members to be in the office at least three days per week to help collaboration.

The salary range for this position starts from $139,760 up to $164,424 + 3% KiwiSaver 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.

The closing date for this role is 11:59pm Wednesday 03 December 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.