Manager, Strategic Digital Solutions

Tēnā koe. Nau mai ki te Kuratini Tuwhera.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for digital transformation and programme delivery? Open Polytechnic is seeking an experienced Manager, Strategic Digital Solutions to lead the successful execution of digital and strategic initiatives that support our mission to deliver high-quality, flexible learning across Aotearoa.

As a senior member of the Digital Directorate, the Manager, Strategic Digital Solutions will oversee the Architecture, Project Delivery, and UX and Design teams. This role is responsible for shaping and maintaining the Strategic Projects Roadmap, ensuring initiatives are prioritised, resourced, and aligned with Open Polytechnic's long-term goals.

You'll lead cross-functional teams, manage budgets and resources, and foster a high-performance culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This role also plays a key part in stakeholder engagement, governance, and strategic planning, contributing to the overall direction of the Digital Directorate.

This position is permanent fulltime position based at our campus in Lower Hutt, with some flexibility around working from home.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and execution of the Strategic Projects Roadmap

• Oversee delivery of digital initiatives across architecture, design, and project teams

• Drive innovation and integration of emerging technologies

• Champion agile and adaptive delivery models

• Manage budgeting, resource planning, and benefits realisation

• Build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders

• Promote user-centred design and product ownership practices

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture

Ngā pūkenga mo te tūnga | What you will bring to the role

The position description sets out in detail the experience, skills and competencies you will bring to this role, with the following deemed critical to your successful performance of role accountabilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, IT, Project Management, or a related field

• Postgraduate qualification in Strategic Leadership or Digital Transformation (preferred)

• Certifications in Agile, PMP, PRINCE2, or similar frameworks (desirable)

• 8-10 years' experience in strategic programme or digital leadership roles

• Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and complex initiatives

• Strong background in enterprise architecture, delivery, and stakeholder engagement

• Experience in budgeting, resource planning, and performance management

• Familiarity with education or public sector environments is a plus

Mō mātou | About us

The Kuratini Tuwhera is Aotearoa New Zealand's leading distance and online learning provider. We specialise in taking the learning to our students, focusing on enabling the success of approximately 30,000 students each year. We're a place where you can make a difference.

We offer a wide range of learning disciplines from Real Estate to Social Work, Construction and Education. From our Academic Staff Members to our Student Journey Centre, we ensure our students are at the heart of everything we do, every step of the way.

Ngā hua o tō tomo mai ki a mātou | Why you should join our team

We offer our people free education when undertaking Open Polytechnic courses (50% off for whanau), free car parking on campus, flexible working options (including some working from home), subsidised school holiday programmes for your children, free fitness classes, and an on-site café.

We are proud of our kaimahi and value every contribution from all our people.

Tono mai | Apply now

Applications must be submitted online via our career's website. Contact [email protected] with any questions about the role. Applications close 11pm 7 September 2025.

Noho ora mai. Tēnā koe.