Director Early Childhood Education

Mōtēneitūranga Overview This is a permanent leadership role responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of ERO's Early Childhood Education review functions. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Regulation and Early Childhood Education, you will lead national review activity across English medium, Pacific medium, and Governing Organisation reviews. You will set direction, priorities, and quality standards for ECE review functions, ensuring review activity is aligned with ERO's strategic objectives and government policy. This includes overseeing review methodologies, frameworks, and processes, managing risk and escalations, and supporting consistent, evidence‑based decision‑making. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders—including the Ministry of Education, sector organisations, and other key agencies—you will help ensure ERO's review, assurance, complaints, enforcement, licensing, and guidance functions are well coordinated. You will lead and support review managers and teams to deliver high‑quality outcomes that promote safe, effective, and equitable early learning services for children and whānau. The key focus over the next 6‑12 months will be strengthening national consistency across ECE review practice, embedding quality assurance and risk management approaches, and supporting system changes associated with wider education sector reforms. Qualifications Senior leadership experience in education, evaluation, assurance, or regulatory settings Experience leading review, assurance, or quality functions in complex environments Strong knowledge of evaluation theory, review practice, and quality improvement approaches Ability to set direction, priorities, and standards across national teams Proven capability to lead, develop, and support managers and high‑performing teams Sound judgement in managing risk, escalations, and sensitive review matters Experience building trusted relationships across agencies, sector groups, and stakeholders Ability to use evidence, analysis, and judgement to support effective decision‑making Clear and confident communication with senior leaders, teams, and external partners Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications for ERO's work #J-18808-Ljbffr