Identity & Access Management (IDAM) Service Lead

Position Title - Identity & Access Management (IDAM) Service Lead

• Fixed Term - Through till 30/06/2026
• Fulltime
• Wellington

NZQA is embarking on a once-in-a-generation transformation through our Strategic Technology Enhancement Programme (STEP)-a multi-year journey that will reshape how we deliver services, engage with our sector, and operate as a digital organisation. Critical to the success of this change is Identity and Access Management (IDAM): a foundational capability that will enable secure, seamless, and scalable access across our entire ecosystem. This role is your chance to lead that transformation, shaping the future of identity at NZQA and leaving a legacy that will support thousands of users for years to come.

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 (education) 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

NZQA is seeking a passionate and experienced technology leader with a strong focus on security to take charge of transforming our Identity and Access Management landscape. This is a rare opportunity to lead a full-service redesign - from discovery and delivery through to operations and continuous improvement - establishing IDAM as a secure, Scalable, and user-friendly cornerstone of our digital ecosystem.

Security will be at the heart of everything you do. You'll champion modern authentication and authorisation practices, ensure robust access controls, and embed cybersecurity principles into the design, delivery, and ongoing management of this service. Your leadership will be instrumental in protecting sensitive data and maintaining the trust of our users and partners.

You will be at the helm of a service that supports a wide and varied user base. From a seasonal workforce of around 8,000, to past and present learners across Aotearoa, and the secondary and tertiary education providers who support them. Your leadership will shape how these users safely and seamlessly engage with our systems.

This role spans the full lifecycle of IDAM service delivery. You'll lead project teams, manage vendors, monitor service performance and drive secure and efficient business-as-usual operations. If you're excited by the challenge of delivering a high-impact, security-led capability from the ground up, this is your moment.

Mou | Who you are

You are a dynamic and engaging tech lead who thrives on building strong relationships across diverse audiences. You bring energy, empathy, and clarity to conversations, making complex IDAM concepts accessible and relevant.

You understand that great IDAM services are not just secure, but intuitive and user-friendly. You're passionate about delivering solutions that protect our systems, data, and users, while enabling seamless access for thousands of users with significantly varying digital literacy.

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

• Proven experience leading IDAM initiatives and similar enterprise technology services, over at least a decade long technology career.
• The ability to balance security, compliance, and usability in service design and delivery.
• Strong knowledge of the Microsoft Entra ID product stack, alongside other IDAM products.

You bring more than just technical expertise-you bring presence. You're someone who can walk into a room and make complex ideas feel simple, relevant, and exciting. You know how to connect with people, build trust, and lead with clarity.

You will leave behind a service that's not only technically sound but deeply aligned with the needs of our users.

Nga Painga o NZQA | Why Choose NZQA

A core part of our education system, NZQA ensures that New Zealand qualifications are valued as credible and robust both nationally and internationally. We are accountable for managing the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, administering the secondary school assessment system, qualifications recognition and standard setting for some specified unit standards. We are a dynamic crown agency with an exciting future.

We offer significant training and professional development, specifically tailored for our leadership team, so that you can thrive and grow. We are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way that embraces diversity and reflects the communities that we serve.

Pehea te tono mai | How You Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an NZQA employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your NZQA email address.

We will be continually reviewing applications as they are received, so would encourage you to submit your CV promptly for consideration.

NZQA is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.

If you have any questions about role, please contact the hiring manager for the role, Andrew Wood,

Applications close at 5.00pm on 26 November 2025