Job Description

Why work for us? At the TEC, you'll be part of a team committed to shaping a dynamic tertiary education system that delivers lifelong learning and supports strong outcomes for learners, whānau, communities, and employers. You'll join an organisation guided by public service values, united by a spirit of service, and dedicated to deepening partnerships with Māori in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You'll work alongside passionate, high-performing colleagues in a supportive environment that values collaboration, cultural capability, and continuous learning. Here, your expertise will help influence system change, strengthen relationships across Aotearoa/New Zealand and contribute to better futures for all learners.

Our Relationship Management (Investment) team are responsible for leading TEC's interaction with our partners, the largest tertiary education providers, supporting them to perform effectively by providing key information and understanding and delivering to their needs. The Relationship Manager is the key lead relationship between the Tertiary Education Organisations and the TEC.

We are looking for an experienced relationship/stakeholder manager fixed term through to June 2027 who has proven experience in developing high trust and productive relationships, with the ability to initiate individualised engagement and investment plans, aligned to an organisational strategy.

He angitūtanga: What will you be doing?

• You will be comfortable dealing with complex and difficult environments, using your critical thinking skills to challenge and question in appropriate ways to add value to all stakeholders.
• You will work with a group of high-profile Tertiary Providers, building strong relationships, getting to know their challenges, and supporting them to think through solutions and opportunities.
• Your experience with analysing performance data will ensure funding made by TEC is being utilised to maximise positive outcomes for learners.

He kōrero mōu: What will you bring to the role?

• Essential: Proven strong relationship management experience at a senior stakeholder level.
• Essential: The ability to understand and analyse performance data, combined with critical thinking and an experienced risk lens.
• Essential: Experience in or the ability to demonstrate cultural intelligence and to operate effectively in diverse cultural contexts.
• Essential:  A detailed knowledge of the tertiary education system and experience dealing with various subsectors.

 Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What will you get in return?

• The opportunity to work in a high-performing team, in an area of high priority that is important to the success of the tertiary education system.
• Three additional (TEC Days) leave days
• A range of benefits including flexible/hybrid working (This role offers flexibility to be based in either our Wellington or Auckland office. Please note that we are not able to consider applicants based in other locations).
• Recruitment remuneration range: $117k to $138k. (Appointment in range will be based on our assessment of the skills and experience you bring to the role)

Me pēhea te tuku tono: How to Apply 

To view the role description and/or apply for this role, please click Apply for This Job, or visit the TEC Careers Portal. We request both a tailored cover letter and CV.

The closing date for this role is, 5:00pm Thursday 9 April 2026. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact hr@tec.govt.nz.

Applicants must have NZ citizenship or permanent residency to be considered for this vacancy. If you hold a permanent residency visa, please provide a copy with your application.

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