Job Type: Permanent

Location:
Whanganui, NZ Palmerston North, NZ

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Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

As a Senior Advisor within Strategic Programmes, you’ll work with a national team who support a range of programmes and services that support ākonga (student) wellbeing including the Healthy School Lunches programme, the ECE Food programme, and Ikura |Manaakita te whare tangata, period products in schools.

We’re here to feed the kids! In this role, you’ll play a key part in providing specialist support to schools, kura, suppliers and partners within the Manawatū-Whanganui region, ensuring tamariki receive a nutritious lunch each school day.

Our team is made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including chefs and food business operators, people with strong relationship and contract management experience, and people who know our education sector well. If you have a nutrition or dietetics qualification, and/or expertise in any of these areas, we would love to hear from you.

This role is a part-time role. We’re looking for someone to work 18 hours per week based in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.

Salary range: $85,225 - $103,071 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you | Mōhou ake

We’re looking for people who want to make a positive difference for ākonga, and who are passionate about helping our tamariki engage and thrive in education. You’ll champion the Healthy School Lunches programme in all interactions and support the programmes outcomes through quality advice and guidance.

To be successful in the role, you’ll be working collaboratively with key stakeholders and partners, and providing specialist advice to support the development of the programme. You’ll act proactively to ensure suppliers are complying with contractual standards and schools and kura are upholding their roles and responsibilities to make the programme a success.

This is a faced paced, hands-on role that will require regular travel and engagement with schools in the wider Manawatū-Whanganui region.

Candidates who have strengths related to relationship management, conflict resolution and/or food business management are preferred. To be successful in this role you will have demonstrated experience across 5 or more of the following:

Demonstrated experience in managing multiple stakeholders concurrently.
Strong relationship management and the ability to manage and navigate difficult conversations.
The ability to positively influence outcomes at a senior level.
An understanding of the food service industry, including food safety and kitchen management.
A sound understanding of the machinery of government and service provision within the public sector.
Excellent time management and ability to prioritise large workloads.
Experience in working with iwi and hapū and a strong understanding of Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori.
Experience managing a food business including financial and kitchen management and menu design and costing.
Understanding of the Education Sector, especially schools.
A sound understanding of contract management and supplier agreements.
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
Nutrition experience in a public health or food service setting.

The Healthy School Lunches programme offers you the chance to work closely with schools, kura, suppliers and partners within your region to make a real difference to ākonga on a daily basis. No day is the same, so you’ll need to be agile and able to pivot quickly. It’s an important job with lots to learn but you’ll be supported in your growth and development through full training and mentoring.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

National Services provides integrated operational support to our regions for their work with the education sector and others to deliver inclusive education that meets the needs of ākonga and whanau.

The Strategic Programmes team ensures ākonga are fed to support their engagement in learning. The Healthy School Lunches programme provides healthy school lunches to eligible schools and kura around the motu.

Our team cover the country, from Northland to the deep South. You’ll work alongside other Senior Advisors, multiple provision models, and be led by three awesome Service Delivery Managers. You’ll be joining a team that enjoys a laugh, while working hard to provide better outcomes for ākonga.

Te Mahau | Education Services

The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.

The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:
Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Teresa Ross, Service Delivery Manager at teresa.ross@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Tuesday, 14 July 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.