Manager Business Services

About this role

Manager Business Services

Whakatairangatia ngā kete o te mātauranga ki te ao mārama! E te tai whakarunga, e te tai whakararo, nau piki mai, nau kake mai ki te Mana Tohu Mātauranga 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.

NZQA plays a critical role in ensuring New Zealand qualifications are trusted, credible and recognised nationally and internationally. The Assessment Division is responsible for maintaining the integrity and consistency of assessment across NCEA, New Zealand Scholarship and other New Zealand qualifications.

We are seeking an experienced people leader and public sector professional to join the Assessment Division as Manager Business Services.

This is an opportunity to lead the Office of the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment and shape the integrated planning, governance, financial management, reporting and business services that support the division's performance. You will work closely with the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment, divisional leaders and central teams across NZQA to ensure priorities, risks, resources and delivery requirements are visible and effectively managed.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As Manager Business Services, you will lead the team responsible for providing high-quality planning, reporting, governance, coordination and advisory support across the Assessment Division.

You will bring together divisional planning, financial management, business performance, issue management and governance processes, helping the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment and divisional leaders make well-informed decisions and deliver against NZQA's priorities.

A key focus of the role is building a responsive, capable and well-connected Office of the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment. You will establish clear priorities, service expectations and operating rhythms, while supporting your team to deliver consistently high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the integrated business services function for the Office of the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment.

• Lead, coach and develop a team of three direct reports, ensuring priorities and workloads are effectively managed.

• Oversee divisional planning, budget development, forecasting, financial monitoring and performance reporting.

• Provide the Deputy Chief Executive Assessment and divisional leaders with timely analysis, insight and advice.

• Coordinate and quality assure governance papers, briefings, Official Information Act responses, ministerial correspondence, parliamentary questions and other products.

• Maintain effective oversight of divisional risks, issues, actions and decisions.

• Improve business systems, processes and ways of working to support efficient and joined-up delivery.

• Build trusted relationships across the Assessment Division, central NZQA functions and relevant external agencies and stakeholders.

He āhei āu | What you'll bring to the role

We are looking for an experienced manager who understands how to lead an effective business services function within a public sector environment.

You will be comfortable working across strategic and operational issues and able to bring together financial, performance and delivery information to provide clear advice. You will have sound judgement, strong organisational awareness and the credibility to work effectively with senior leaders and central agencies. To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• People leadership and management experience, including developing capability, managing performance and creating high-performing ways of working.

• Public sector experience and a strong understanding of machinery of government, governance and official governance processes.

• Strong experience in integrated business planning, budget development, forecasting, financial monitoring and variance analysis.

• Experience producing and quality assuring performance reports, governance papers, briefings, Official Information Act responses, ministerial products or similar official material.

• The ability to integrate financial and non-financial information and translate it into clear advice for senior decision-makers.

• Experience maintaining risk, issue, action and decision registers to support effective oversight and accountability.

Ngā Painga o NZQA | Why choose NZQA

Join NZQA and play a central role in supporting the leadership and performance of a division responsible for some of New Zealand's most significant assessment and qualification services.

You will work alongside experienced leaders and colleagues who are committed to maintaining confidence in New Zealand's assessment and qualifications systems. You will also be supported to continue developing your leadership, technical and cultural capability, including your understanding of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.

NZQA is committed to developing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

For more information about this role and NZQA, please refer to the job description, NZQA's Customer Charter and Organisational Values.

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Nigel Huddleston (People Partner) at nigel.huddleston@nzqa.govt.nz

To apply, please submit your CV and a tailored cover letter by 11:59pm 24 November 2026.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this role.

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.