Compliance and Governance Lead

• 12-month contract based in Auckland New Zealand 
• 26 days’ annual leave, including one for your birthday.
• Remote initially, transitioning to hybrid from Auckland CBD campus in mid-2027

Role

The Compliance and Governance Lead, New Zealand will be responsible for establishing and maintaining Kaplan New Zealand’s quality assurance, regulatory compliance and academic governance framework to support the successful operation of Kaplan’s New Zealand Private Training Establishment (PTE). 

The role provides specialist leadership in NZQA compliance, institutional governance, quality systems, regulatory reporting and continuous improvement. Working collaboratively across Kaplan New Zealand, Kaplan Business School (KBS), Kaplan International Pathways and other Kaplan entities, the position ensures that governance arrangements, policies, quality assurance processes and regulatory obligations meet the requirements of the Education and Training Act 2020, NZQA Rules, the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQCF), and the standards expected of a high-performing PTE. 

This role is critical to embedding effective and sustainable compliance frameworks at an operational level, mitigating risk, and supporting continuous improvement. Working cross-functionally, the role requires strong stakeholder engagement, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to lead a culture of accountability and excellence in regulatory practice.

This role is offered initially on a fixed-term contract basis, with the opportunity to transition to a permanent position as Kaplan New Zealand’s operations become established.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of Kaplan New Zealand’s PTE compliance and governance framework. 
• Coordinate institutional compliance with the Education and Training Act 2020, NZQA Rules, Private Training Establishment registration requirements, programme approval and accreditation requirements and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners. 
• Further develop and oversee the implementation of Kaplan New Zealand’s Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring it remains current, effective and aligned with NZQA requirements.
• Support institutional compliance relating to student complaints, academic misconduct, appeals, learner wellbeing obligations, international student compliance, academic integrity and student records governance through the identification of risks, mitigation strategies and oversee corrective actions.
• Advise on the regulatory implications of institutional changes, including new programmes, delivery locations and delivery arrangements and coordinate required approvals.
• Ensure policies remain aligned with NZQA requirements, the Education and Training Act 2020 and PTE Rules 2026, the Code of Practice, Kaplan Group governance requirements and good practice across the New Zealand tertiary sector. 
• Develop and deliver compliance, quality and governance reporting and insights for senior leadership and relevant governance bodies.
• Develop effective working relationships across Kaplan New Zealand, KBS, Kaplan International Pathways and Kaplan’s Quality Regulations and Standards team. 

Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree with postgraduate qualifications in education, quality assurance, governance, higher education or a related discipline. 
• Demonstrated experience within the New Zealand tertiary education sector. 
• Extensive knowledge of the Education and Training Act 2020, NZQA Rules, Private Training Establishment requirements, the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners. 
• Experience supporting or leading PTE registration, NZQA accreditation and regulatory compliance activities. 
• Demonstrated ability to interpret legislation, regulatory requirements and quality standards. 
• Strong analytical, organisational and project management skills. 
• Highly developed report writing, policy development and documentation skills. 
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a start-up or rapidly evolving educational environment. 
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within tertiary education governance, quality assurance and learner success. 
• Understanding of equity, cultural capability and culturally responsive governance practices. 

Applications close 11 September 2026. 

Don't delay - Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may close prior to the advertised closing date. 

About Us

Kaplan Australia and New Zealand are one of the world's leading providers of lifelong education, helping over one million students around the globe achieve their educational and career goals each year. While we provide a broad array of educational offerings through our programs, our commitment to providing unrivalled quality and great learning outcomes is consistent in each of our businesses.  

Kaplan has been recognised as an Inclusive Employer by Diversity Council Australia. We pride ourselves on being a kind and inclusive organisation that is reflective of our diverse student group across Kaplan Business School, Kaplan Professional and our Pathways Colleges and truly value the richness and experience of our diverse team. We will use this momentum to continue to enhance our equity, diversity, and inclusiveness.

Background-Check Notice & Declaration

Kaplan and many of its major clients operate in highly regulated environments. This requires us to be proactive and diligent in relation to personnel background checks and to undertake thorough vetting of candidates for roles of this nature. To enable Kaplan to assess a candidate’s suitability for this role, each candidate will be required to answer pre-screening questions, and, if you receive a conditional offer of employment, you will be required to undertake the relevant background checks (unless Kaplan determines otherwise). These checks may include one or more of the following: verification of identity, working rights, criminal history, qualifications, and working with children clearance. If you are shortlisted, Kaplan will advise you which checks are required for this role and explain how you will undertake the checks. Kaplan is committed to handling your personal information appropriately. Please see the Privacy Policy at Kaplan.edu.au for information about how Kaplan may handle your personal information in connection with this application process. 

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