Manager System Performance

Whakatairangatia nga kete o te matauranga ki te ao marama

E te tai whakarunga, e te tai whakararo - nau piki mai, nau kake mai ki te Mana Tohu Matauranga o Aotearoa.

May the baskets of knowledge be brought into the world of light. We welcome one and all to join us at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Mo tenei turanga | About the role

The Quality Assurance Division (QAD) at NZQA plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity and quality of non-university qualifications and programmes across Aotearoa. Our focus is on learner wellbeing, system performance, and the capability of tertiary education organisations.

We're looking for a Manager, System Performance and Capability to join our QAD leadership team.This newly established role leads a team that sits at the heart of this mahi and is responsible for translating system-level data into insights that shape the future of qualifications, quality assurance in the vocational and tertiary education system, and learner support.

You'll lead a team of analysts and advisors to build a deep understanding of system performance and tertiary education organisation (TEO) capability. Your work will inform regulatory settings, guide quality assurance priorities, and support capability development across the sector.

A key part of your role will be overseeing the performance of the Code of Practice for the pastoral care of tertiary and international learners, ensuring learner experience is central to how we evaluate and improve the system. Your team will identify system risks and opportunities to improve system performance and capability. You'll also help shape the future of the integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF), using evidence to guide strategic decisions and operational planning.

This is a leadership role that blends strategy, influence and impact. You'll be part of the QAD management team, contributing to divisional direction, supporting the Deputy Chief Executive in her leadership, and helping NZQA deliver better outcomes for learners as a modern regulator.

Mou | Who you are

You're a strategic leader with deep experience in system-level analysis, performance monitoring and capability development. You understand the complexity of the tertiary education landscape and know how to interpret trends, risks and insights to inform smarter decisions and stronger outcomes.

You're confident leading a team that works across data, policy and education design - and you know how to turn evidence into action. You bring a collaborative mindset, build trusted relationships, and thrive in environments where ambiguity and complexity are part of the challenge.

You see the connections between system settings, provider capability and learner wellbeing - and you're driven to make a difference through thoughtful, evidence-based leadership.

Ko tau na i tenei turanga | What you'll bring to the role

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Proven experience in system performance, education policy, or quality assurance leadership, ideally within the tertiary or public sector.
• Strong capability in analysing complex datasets and generating strategic insights that inform regulatory settings and operational priorities.
• Experience leading teams and establishing new systems, processes and products in a high-performance environment.
• A sound understanding of the NZQCF, the Code of Practice for pastoral care, and the broader tertiary education system.
• Confidence in using insights to influence qualification and quality assurance settings, and to support capability development across the sector.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across NZQA and with external partners.
• A commitment to learner wellbeing, continuous improvement, and the proactive sharing of knowledge and good practice.
• A strong commitment to enabling better educational outcomes for Maori, Pasifika, disabled learners and international students, and to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your leadership practice.

Nga Painga o NZQA | Why Choose NZQA

We walk alongside other government agencies, as one cornerstone of New Zealand's education system. We manage the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework, oversee secondary school assessments, and ensure our qualifications are credible and respected both here and overseas.

We're a dynamic Crown entity with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence. We offer tailored professional development for our leadership team, and we're proud to foster an inclusive, respectful workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Pehea te tono mai | How You Apply

Apply online with your CV and a covering letter. If you're already an NZQA employee, please apply using your NZQA email login.

We'll be reviewing applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.

NZQA is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at

Applications close: 23 November 2025