People Services Manager

About this role

People Services Manager

Permanent | Full-time | Wellington

Shape the Future of People Services at NZQA
At NZQA, we play a vital role in New Zealand's education system, ensuring qualifications are credible and valued both nationally and internationally. We manage the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, administer secondary school assessments, and oversee qualifications recognition and standard setting. To enable this, we need people with the right skills and behaviours to join us and contribute in making a difference to New Zealand's future.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead NZQA's People Services team and deliver exceptional HR services that make a real impact. As People Services Manager, you'll be at the heart of shaping our people experience, driving operational excellence, and enabling a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

What you'll do:

• Lead a talented team to deliver efficient, customer-focused HR operations.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, payroll, employment relations, reporting and compliance.
• Partner with leaders to provide expert advice on policies, legislation, and best practice.
• Drive continuous improvement in systems, processes, and service delivery.
• Support organisational change and workforce planning.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all people practices.

About You

You're a confident leader who thrives on making things happen. You bring:

• Proven experience in HR leadership or people services management.
• Strong knowledge of NZ employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to lead through change and foster collaboration.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with attention to detail.

Why Join Us?

This is a newly established role in a refreshed operating model for our People team. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with the Chief People Officer and your colleagues to shape an HR service delivery model that truly supports our managers and kaimahi.

We offer:

• Significant training and professional development opportunities.
• A culture that values inclusion, respect, and diversity.
• The chance to make a real difference in an organisation that impacts education across Aotearoa.

Apply Now
Visit NZQA Careers Centre to submit your CV and cover letter.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so don't wait—apply today!

For questions, contact Maeve Neilson, Chief People Officer at maeve.neilson@nzqa.govt.nz.

Applications close at 5.00pm on 2 February 2026.

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