- Lead enterprise planning, performance and resource stewardship, aligning strategy, investment and organisational capability.
- Contribute to ENZ’s strategic direction, performance and stewardship as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Provide senior leadership across government and NZ Inc relationships and critical enabling functions to strengthen ENZ’s impact.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) plays a vital role in growing New Zealand’s international education sector, working with partners here and offshore towards an ambitious goal of more than doubling its export value by 2034.
The General Manager Performance & Enablement is a pivotal executive leadership role, helping ENZ turn strategy into action by aligning organisational planning, performance, investment, resources and capability. Reporting to the Chief Executive and contributing as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role has significant scope to influence enterprise priorities, organisational performance, investment decisions and stewardship.
Based in Wellington, the position brings together strategic leadership, organisational stewardship and senior government engagement, ensuring ENZ has the capability, resources and relationships to maximise its contribution to New Zealand.
THE ROLE
The General Manager Performance & Enablement will provide enterprise-wide leadership across strategic planning, performance, governance, investment prioritisation and organisational enablement. A central focus will be aligning strategy, resources and delivery, strengthening accountability and ensuring leaders have the insights and support needed to make informed decisions.
The role provides executive oversight across Insights & Performance and ENZ’s key enabling functions, including People & Capability, Finance, Digital Technology, and Government Relations & Communications. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, the General Manager will champion continuous improvement, organisational capability and high-performance practices that enable ENZ to deliver on its commitments.
A defining aspect of the role is providing senior leadership, alongside the Senior Leadership Team, for ENZ’s strategic engagement across government and NZ Inc. The General Manager will build trusted senior relationships with Ministers’ offices, government agencies and key partners, provide executive oversight of ministerial advice and accountability requirements, and represent ENZ in senior government and NZ Inc forums, including on behalf of the Chief Executive when required.
THE CANDIDATE
This opportunity calls for an accomplished, strategically minded executive with at least 10 years’ senior leadership experience across strategy, organisational performance, governance, organisational effectiveness, public sector delivery or related enterprise functions.
Candidates will bring demonstrated success translating strategy into integrated plans and measurable outcomes, leading organisational performance and capability-building initiatives, and aligning investment, resources and organisational capacity with strategic priorities. They will combine strong commercial and organisational acumen with sound judgement, an enterprise-wide perspective and the ability to navigate complexity and competing demands.
A strong understanding of the machinery of government, public sector stewardship and accountability requirements will be essential, alongside the credibility and relationship skills to influence senior stakeholders across government and partner organisations.
Equally important will be an inclusive, collaborative and values-led leadership approach, with the ability to develop high-performing teams, foster shared accountability and champion a culture that reflects ENZ’s values, Ngā Manapou, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
A relevant tertiary qualification and commitment to ongoing professional development and contemporary leadership practice are expected.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
David Price
National Manager, New Zealand
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 25 November 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5525
Ready to make people your organisation’s greatest asset?