Senior Advisor

About this role As a Senior Advisor within Strategic Programmes, you’ll work with a national team that supports a range of programmes and services that support student wellbeing, including the Healthy School Lunches programme, the ECE Food programme, and Ikura. In this role you’ll play a key part in providing specialist support to schools, kura, suppliers and partners within the Auckland region, ensuring tamariki receive a nutritious lunch each school day. This is a full‑time role, working 38 hours per week, with a salary range of $85,225 – $103,071 per annum plus KiwiSaver, reflecting individual skills and experience. About you We’re looking for people who want to make a positive difference for students and who are passionate about helping children engage and thrive in education. You’ll champion the Healthy School Lunches programme in all interactions and support the programme’s outcomes through quality advice and guidance. To be successful you’ll: Work collaboratively with key stakeholders and partners, providing specialist advice to support programme development. Act proactively to ensure suppliers comply with contractual standards. Support schools and kura across different delivery models and provide advice and guidance to make the programme a success. Be able to travel regularly and engage with schools throughout the Auckland region. A nutrition or dietetics qualification and professional registration is preferred, but experience in relationship management, conflict resolution, or food business management will also be considered. Qualifications You will have demonstrated experience across five or more of the following: Managing multiple stakeholders concurrently. Strong relationship management and navigating difficult conversations. Positively influencing outcomes at a senior level. Understanding of the food service industry, including food safety and kitchen management. Understanding of the machinery of government and service provision within the public sector. Excellent time management and ability to prioritise large workloads. Experience working with iwi and hapū and a strong understanding of Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori. Managing a food business including financial and kitchen management, and menu design and costing. Understanding of the Education Sector, especially schools. Strong contract management and supplier agreements knowledge. Adherence to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct. Nutrition experience in a public health or food service setting. About our group and team National Services provides integrated operational support to regions working with the education sector and others to deliver inclusive education that meets the needs of students and families. The Strategic Programmes team ensures students are fed to support their engagement in learning, with the Healthy School Lunches programme delivering healthy lunches to eligible schools and kura across the country. Our team covers the country, from Northland to the deep South. You’ll work alongside other Senior Advisors, multiple provision models, and be led by three Service Delivery Managers. We enjoy a supportive culture where we laugh while working hard to improve outcomes for students. Applications and contact To apply, submit your cover letter and resume through the application button. In your cover letter, please share your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and diverse perspectives that will benefit the role. For further information, contact Todd Unkovich, Service Delivery Manager ([email protected]). Applications close Midnight, Tuesday, 14 July 2026. We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know. #J-18808-Ljbffr