Manager – Ākonga Experience

New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) is New Zealand's leading institute of technology, which helps to drive the development of a skilled workforce not only in New Zealand but also around the world.

NorthTec, a business division of NZIST, provides quality tertiary education and training across a wide range of subjects and qualifications.  From certificate to postgraduate studies, we offer NZQA programmes for learners at a level and pathway that suits them.

To learn more about NorthTec/NZIST, visit Tai Tokerau Wānanga | NorthTec.

Overview

NorthTec has an outstanding opportunity for a dynamic, strategic, and learner-focused professional to join our team as Manager - Ākonga Experience.

Reporting to the Director Ākonga Success, you'll lead multi-functional service teams to deliver seamless, holistic support for ākonga from first enquiry to graduation. You'll oversee academic registry and enrolment systems, champion continuous improvement, and drive digital transformation in service delivery. This role is pivotal in shaping the learner journey, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring every learner feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

You'll engage with diverse stakeholders, manage budgets and operational planning, and embed culturally responsive practices that prioritise equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We're seeking someone with proven leadership, technical literacy, and a passion for making a real difference in the lives of learners.

This is a full-time, permanent position. Flexibility to travel across Tai Tokerau and attend events outside standard business hours is required.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Relevant tertiary qualification (postgraduate in education, management, student services, or related field) or equivalent experience
• 7–10 years' experience managing service teams in a complex environment
• Demonstrated leadership in academic registry and enrolment systems
• Proven track record in improving service quality and learner outcomes
• Strong understanding of learner engagement, wellbeing, and retention strategies
• Experience leading through change and building high-performing teams
• Technical literacy and experience with digital learner engagement and retention tools (SMS, CRM)
• Knowledge of TEC and NZQA regulatory and audit requirements
• Experience working with Māori, Pacific, and diverse communities
• High level of cultural competence and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills
• Ability to travel across the region; full NZ driver's licence required
• Police vetting required (Children's Act core worker)

If you're ready to make an impact and shape the future of learner experience, their whanau, and the wider community, we welcome you to apply for this position.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, applicants must be a NZ Citizen or NZ Permanent Resident.

Please apply online and attach your current CV and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience that align with this role.

Note: NorthTec will be closed for the holiday period, and applications will not be reviewed until mid-January 2026.

More about Tai Tokerau Wānanga | NorthTec

Tai Tokerau Wānanga | NorthTec is committed to developing Northland and its people through tertiary education. NorthTec is the region's largest provider of tertiary education, with campuses and learning centres in Whangārei and across Northland in addition to over 60 community based delivery points. NorthTec remains the only Tertiary Education Institute (TEI) based north of Auckland that provides programmes from foundation to degree level.

The region's gentle climate, relaxed lifestyle and unbounded opportunities continue to attract people from around the world to Northland's spectacular rural and coastal surroundings.

Te Tai Taitokerau Wānanga, He kuratini whakatangata, whakakaha hāpori hoki

He kuratini e taea ai koe te ako i ngā āhuatanga e whai mahi ai

Disclaimer

This position is currently open to internal candidates of NZIST divisions. It has also been identified as a potential redeployment for kaimahi who have had their position impacted. Therefore, in assessing applications affected kaimahi will be given priority. We welcome external applicants.