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
- Multpile fixed term opportunities available until 30 June 2026
We are seeking someone with experience of, and a commitment to, a knowledge-rich curriculum design to lead in the current national curriculum work for years 11-13 across both English and Maori medium schools and Kura. This role requires you to report to the programme lead and work with the ministry curriculum designers and external writers to ensure the quality of the curriculum content.
As a Product Manager you will ensure teams can deliver high-quality products by:
- Understanding the curriculum design vision and using it to lead teams toward consistent, high‑quality outcomes.
- Being the organisational glue that enables coherence across subjects, teams, and leaders.
- Operating both downstream (supporting teams) and upstream (informing strategy), ensuring that decisions and delivery remain tightly connected.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
You will bring expertise in curriculum design, strong relational skills, decision making capability and an ability to work in an agile environment. Leadership in an educational setting would be an advantage.
You will also offer:
- Experience in a complex organisation.
- Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
- Experience working in programme/project environments.
- In-depth experience in at least one of the 8 learning areas as per the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) or Te Mātauranga o Aotearoa, and a general understanding of the curriculum.
- The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
You will join a strong team of experienced educators and skilled project managers in the Phase 5 Subjects Programme which sits within the CACP (Curriculum and Assessment Change Programme). We have high trust and encourage agency for all and care for staff. The team is working at pace and with an exciting project to deliver for secondary schools.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The purpose of Te Poutāhū is to lead the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand and associated systems and processes of assessment and aromatawai.
We design, develop and provide curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA. Our strengths are across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability, inclusive learning support and culturally relevant content so that Te Mahau supports learning that is inclusive for all ākonga.
We support the people who are closest to, and directly serve, ākonga and whānau. We do this through Te Mahau where we connect with the sector, working collaboratively to identify priorities and design local solutions.
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 Catherine Law, Phase 5 Programme Lead at CACP.Refresh@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight – Friday 27 February 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.
