Learning & Development Manager

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is New Zealand’s largest support service for tamariki under five and their whānau, visiting more than 80% of newborns and supporting families through those crucial early years.  As our Learning & Development Manager, you’ll drive strategic learning initiatives that support our people to deliver the best possible care to tamariki and whānau. 

This role is a 0.8–1.0 FTE role and is preferably based in Ōtautahi (Christchurch). However, our team is based across the motu, so applicants based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) or Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) will be considered for the right candidate. Please include your preferred hours and location in your cover letter.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a newly created role reporting to the Head of Organisational Development & Learning. You will help shape our learning and development practice, strengthen organisational capability, and support our progress towards becoming a stronger learning organisation. You’ll lead key capability initiatives, design practical and fit-for-purpose learning approaches and solutions, provide trusted advice to leaders across the organisation, and work closely with others across the People & Culture function to shape and deliver priority learning work. This is an influential role that leads through expertise, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement rather than direct people management. It is not a clinical education role, as clinical education and training for frontline kaimahi sits with another team. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are still growing the maturity of our systems and ways of working, which creates a real opportunity for someone who brings contemporary L&D thinking, sound judgement, and a pragmatic approach to building capability and lifting practice over time.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an experienced learning professional who is passionate about building capability and enabling people to do their best work. You bring strong expertise in designing and leading L&D systems, frameworks, and initiatives, and you’re skilled at partnering across teams to create practical, quality learning solutions. Your approach is collaborative, grounded, and culturally responsive, and you enjoy working in environments where you can influence, build, and make meaningful progress.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience (7+ years) in learning and development, organisational development, or a related capability role, including leadership of learning initiatives, systems, or programmes.
• Relevant tertiary qualification, such as in Learning & Development, Education, Human Resources, or Organisational Development.
• Proven ability to turn strategy or concepts into practical, fit-for-purpose learning solutions and capability approaches
• Strong project leadership, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills
• Confidence working with learning technologies, AI, governance, and compliance requirements
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and bicultural practice, including te ao Māori
• Experience in not-for-profit, health, or community services would be an advantage, but is not essential

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

If you’re seeking to work for an organisation that values improving society, join us at Whānau Āwhina Plunket. In line with our values, we believe in caring for our people, to support your wellbeing and ongoing professional growth.

• The ability to schedule your mahi in a way that will support work and life balance
• Two Well Health Days': the ability to use sick leave to look after yourself
• A variety of retail discounts at places such as NXP, Resene and JB Hi-fi
• Discounted prices across an extensive choice of fitness facilities with Fitness Passport
• EAP Services - free support including counselling, career guidance, and health coaching for you and your whānau
• A generous parental leave scheme to support growing whānau

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

To view the position description or to apply for this role please refer to www.plunket.org.nz/careers. For further information please contact HR@plunket.org.nz 

Applications close 22^nd March 2026. Please note, we will process applications as they are received and may close this advert early if we find a suitable candidate.

Kotahi mano ngā rā hiki te oranga mo ngā whakatipuranga, i roto i ngā  hapori

In the first 2000 days setting the path of wellness in our communities, for generations to come.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki and their whānau/family. We have committed to adopting a pro-equity approach where we give life to the Treaty principles of tino rangatiratanga, partnership, active protection, equity and options in our mahi/work to ensure healthy tamariki, confident whānau and connected communities. This journey is creating exciting career opportunities - If you would like to contribute to the important mahi we do, nau mai, haere mai.