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

This is a permanent full-time position based in Wellington.

The Manager Ownership & Occupancy leads and manages people, plans and resources and involves managing contracts, leading procurement activities, and making recommendations about large financial decisions.

You’ll engage with a wide range of people to support your work, relating to the updating of web pages, internal guidance, communications, presentations, and meetings, and work across the business to improve how we do things, to get work done more efficiently and with good outcomes.

This position plays a significant role in managing contracts relating to Building Compliance, provides technical support and facilitates dispute resolution. Your responsibilities also extend to School Property insurances, land information and easements, and administration related to occupancy documents, third party leases, licences to occupy and the management of complex legacy issues. You will be a key member of the emergency management team and will lead your own team, coaching and constructively challenging others to grow.

Salary range: $121,139 - $181,709 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Manager Ownership and Occupancy

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in the role, you’ll have the following experience:

People and operational leadership experience within a complex environment.
Experience in developing, monitoring, improving and maintaining functional workflows and processes.
Experience in managing budgets.
A proven track record of building and maintaining trusted relationships with colleagues and internal and external stakeholders.
Experience working in insurance, building compliance, leasing, and/or Crown property (technical land information, Public Works Act 1981, or easements) in a large government department context.
Experience working in a large and complex organisational context with shifting priorities and competing demands.
Be capable and competent taking ownership of issues where the solution is not clear and there are a range of stakeholder opinions and operational factors to work through.
The ability to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will be joining a team who are passionate about changing the way we work to improve the quality of school property, and committed to building transparent, ongoing partnerships that enable us to respond to the Government's school property review recommendations.

About our ministry, group, and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion. Our team is responsible for the portfolio, including school engagement, asset management, capital works delivery, investment planning and portfolio management.

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

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

For further information, please contact Sandra Orr, General Manager, School Property Services at Sandra.Orr@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight on Monday 9 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.

Manager, Ownership and Occupancy jobs

Manager, Ownership and Occupancy - Wellington