Principal People Systems Administrator

Date advertised : 29 Oct 2025

Job Type : Permanent

Location : Wellington, NZ

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Ministry of Education is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Principal People Systems Administrator to support the management and maintenance of our People Systems, ensuring their security, integrity, and optimal functionality. This role is critical in supporting HR and payroll‑related technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Support all the people systems including HRIS, Contractor Central (Fieldglass), and Payroll systems.
• Ensure compliance with IT system audit requirements to maintain system security and integrity.
• Oversee the development, updating, and testing of the Payroll Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
• Lead the planning and implementation of system upgrades, software releases, and procedural enhancements.
• Manage system availability in line with service level agreements (SLAs).
• Diagnose, document, and resolve system faults within designated priority timeframes, liaising with software providers where necessary.
• Ensure that all fault resolutions are thoroughly tested and that stakeholders are kept informed throughout the process.
• Provide expert advice and support to optimise the functionality and security of People Capability (PC) systems.
• Develop and implement risk management and audit controls to enhance system performance and compliance.

Salary range : $119,171‑$144,560 per annum + 3% Kiwi Saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the effective and secure management of critical government systems, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with national standards. You will be part of a collaborative and professional environment that values innovation, integrity, and public service.

About our ministry, group, and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate group is responsible for delivering essential Ministry‑wide statutory and corporate functions. We enable the organisation to operate effectively and help fulfil the statutory and reporting obligations of Te Tāhuhu. The Integration Services division is responsible for the Ministry’s corporate service operations, service management, business continuity, corporate applications, portfolio delivery and Māori Crown Relations functions that enable our business groups to run effectively.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and CV by using the ‘apply’ button below. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa or anything you'd like to share about your cultural identity. We’re keen to know your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Romina Grecco on

Applications close Midnight on Wednesday 12 November 2025.

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.

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