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We are seeking a commercially minded and strategically focused Operations and Strategic Projects Lead to drive performance across a network of education centres.

This senior leadership role carries full accountability for operational delivery, financial performance, enrolment growth, and strategic execution across multiple sites. You will play a critical role in strengthening commercial sustainability while ensuring operational excellence and high-quality educational outcomes.

Reporting into the Chief Executive and working as a key member of the Senior Operations Team, you will lead a portfolio with responsibility for:

• Full operational and financial performance across multiple centres
• Driving enrolment and attendance growth through targeted strategy and marketing oversight
• Maximising funding access and ensuring performance metrics align to funding outcomes
• Leading cost control, forecasting, and budget management
• Identifying operational risks and implementing mitigation strategies
• Leading strategic change and transformation initiatives across the network
• Building compelling, evidence-based business cases to inform Executive decision-making
• Strengthening workforce utilisation models to optimise efficiency and cost performance
• Building and managing key external stakeholder relationships to enhance sector positioning
• Ensure leadership practices reflect te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Work closely with the People and Capability function to manage complex people matters professionally and pragmatically

You will bring:

• 7–10+ years’ experience in senior operational leadership with budget accountability
• Understanding of both the commercial realities and regulatory environment of the education sector in Aotearoa
• Proven experience leading multi-site or dispersed portfolios
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including P&L management
• Demonstrated ability to drive enrolment, utilisation and revenue growth
• Experience presenting business cases and influencing senior decision-makers
• A track record of lifting operational performance through coaching and accountability
• Experience in the education sector or a similarly regulated, funding-driven environment
• Experience working within unionised workforces
• Strong stakeholder management skills across diverse and senior audiences

This is a high-impact leadership role where commercial discipline and strategic delivery are critical to long-term sustainability and growth. You will have the opportunity to shape operational strategy and influence executive direction across a respected education network.

To apply for this role, please submit your application via the H2R website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Gemma on 09 368 7300 or gemma.forrest@h2r.co.nz

Please note, we will be processing applications as they come in, so if you are interested, we recommend applying as soon as possible.

We look forward to reviewing your application!