Regional Manager – Primary & Intermediate Schools

Sport Waikato is at an exciting stage in its history as it looks to accelerate towards its next horizon. Guided by a strategy focused on growing movement and creating healthier, more connected communities, it works across the Waikato to influence the people, places and systems that enable active lifestyles. Passionate, knowledgeable and innovative in its thought leadership, it is motivated by creating positive change for communities through movement, wellbeing and connection.

About the role

Reporting to the GM, Regional Leadership, you will play a critical role in leading a team of dedicated Professional Learning Partners, bringing Sport Waikato’s strategy to life and leading education initiatives that create meaningful impact across the region.

• Provide leadership and direction, ensuring coordinated, evidence-informed, and future-focused delivery of strategic outcomes.
• Motivate, inspire, and uplift capability within the team, creating a positive, high-performing culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive strategic initiatives, collaborating across the organisation and with partners to create meaningful and sustainable community impact.
• Regularly review impact, understand curriculum needs and gather insights from schools, communities, and partners to inform priorities, investment, and decision-making.
• Develop and nurture relationships across the education sector, government agencies, iwi and hapuu, community organisations, and other key partners, creating a shared vision for success.

Requirements

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• Passion and a natural leadership style, creating a positive workplace culture by promoting the values of the organisation.
• Curiosity, innovation, and creativity to understand curriculum needs, designing and implementing initiatives that deliver measurable impact.
• A commitment to evidence-informed practice, leveraging insights, data, and emerging technologies to shape decision-making.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and engagement skills with the ability to build new relationships and partnerships within the community.
• Finely honed influencing and advocacy skills, presenting a positive and professional image at all levels.
• A Te Ao Māori perspective and a background in education or related sectors.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Employee-centric staff wellbeing programme.
• Professional development available for all employees.
• Culture capability (Māori) personal development.
• EAP services.
• Whānau-first philosophy, including access to discretionary leave for life "curve balls".
• Competitive salary + vehicle + professional development.