EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES MANAGER

Who we are

Te Puna Whai Mātauranga (formerly Horowhenua Learning Centre and Life to the Max) is an NZQA-accredited private training establishment supporting people across Horowhenua, Manawatū, and Wairarapa. Our name, gifted to us by Muaūpoko Iwi, means “a special place, the spring where knowledge, insight, learning and wisdom can be accessed and transformation is possible.”

 We work across four pillars – Education, Employment, Social Services and Workplace Training – to help people build skills, become work ready and access the support they need reach their potential. Our Employment Programmes team supports jobseekers to achieve sustainable employment by working closely with local employers, funders and community partners.

About the Role

Reporting to the CEO, you will contribute to the overall performance of the organisation through participation in the Management Team. You will lead our Employment Programmes team (Tari Whakarite Mahi), based across our Levin, Palmerston North and Masterton offices.

 The Employment Programmes Manager is responsible for the performance, quality and outcomes of our employment services, ensuring jobseekers are well supported into sustainable work and that funder and contractual requirements are met. This includes management of our driver licensing contracts in Central region and Horowhenua colleges.

Below are key tasks for this role:

• Lead, coach and manage the Employment Consultant team and driving instructors across all sites to achieve individual and team placement targets.

• Oversee delivery of employment programmes and contracts including driver licensing contracts, ensuring compliance with funder requirements (including MSD and other government contracts).

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to identify and secure workplace experience, training and sustainable employment opportunities for clients.

• Monitor and report on programme performance, outcomes and KPIs to the Chief Executive on a regular basis.

• Manage the Employment Programmes budget, including staffing and resourcing requirements.

• Lead continuous improvement of employment programme design and delivery to achieve strategic goals.

• Work collaboratively with the Education and Social Services teams to provide wrap-around support for clients.

• Provide leadership as a member of Te Puna Whai Mātauranga's Management Team.

Minimum Requirements:

• A tertiary qualification, preferably in a related field such as social services, education or business.

• Experience leading and managing a team, ideally within employment services, social services or the training sector.

• Experience managing government-funded contracts and reporting against funder requirements.

• Ability to direct and lead staff to achieve pre-agreed outcomes.

• Change management experience, particularly in relation to managing staff and clients.

• Recognised as a leader with a track record of achieving results through others.

Knowledge Requirements for the role:

• Superior stakeholder relationship experience, including with employers, funders and community partners.

• Ability to read and plan for changes in government policy that affect funding and service delivery.

• Previous management experience in the employment, social services or education sector in New Zealand is desirable.

• Advanced planning, organisational and communication skills.

• Negotiation and facilitation skills.

• A focus on continuous improvement.

• Ability to work cross-culturally and communicate effectively with a broad range of people.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to tikanga Māori, Te Reo and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

 A full pre-employment safety check and police vet in accordance with Vulnerable Children regulations, and a current full driver's licence, are required for this role.

 In return you will be given the opportunity to be part of a high-performing team in an organisation with strong values and a culture that welcomes diversity and collaboration.

 To discuss the role in confidence, please contact Patrick Rennell, CEO, at [email protected]. A position description is available at https://www.tpwm.ac.nz/meet-our-team#vacancies

 To apply, send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]  by 5.00 pm Monday 5 October.