Senior Leadership Opportunity: Associate Headmaster

About Southwell School
Southwell School is an independent, co-educational Anglican day and boarding school renowned for providing a rich, holistic education. We foster a distinctive, supportive community culture where students are encouraged to achieve personal excellence across academic, sporting, cultural, and spiritual pursuits. We are currently introducing the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).

Reporting directly to the Headmaster, the Associate Headmaster plays a critical leadership role across daily school operations, strategic direction, staff mentorship, and pastoral care. You will drive educational engagement, and uphold the "Southwell Way" and school culture across all areas of school life. This is a full-time, permanent position.Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand and hold a current practicing certificate from the New Zealand Teaching Council or international equivalent.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Culture
- Drive strategic direction with the SLT and support the Trust Board with the Strategic Plan.
- Lead, model, and sustain a positive school culture, upholding the Code of Conduct and "The Southwell Way."
- Participate actively in Chapel services, house meetings, assemblies, and school events.

Curriculum & Faculty Leadership
- Oversee and evaluate teaching/learning programs, focusing on learner engagement and curriculum development.
- Directly manage and appraise Specialist Teachers, the Director of Sport, and the Dean of the Arts.
- Teach classes or student groups as required.

School Operations & Event Management
- Manage daily short and long term operations, timetabling, relief, staff duties, and bus services.
- Lead operational communication across calendars, website updates, and internal/external stakeholders.
- Direct flagship events, including Annual Prize Giving, school camps, sports competitions, and school photos.
- Oversight of student behaviour and pastoral support.

Staff Management & HR
- Guide and mentor staff, leading professional development and staff inductions.
- Assist with recruitment, job descriptions, contracts, and conflict/mediation processes.
- Oversee international student programs and gap tutor placements.

Health, Safety & Risk Management
- Chair the Health & Safety Committee and manage health and safety standards for staff and students.
- Oversee RAMS compliance, emergency/lock down procedures, camp safety, and site security.

Community & Stakeholder Relations
- Build strong relationships with parents and the wider community.
- Manage parent communications, queries, and dispute/complaint resolution processes.

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Proven Educational Leadership: Senior leadership experience within a primary, middle, or secondary school setting.
- Operational Excellence: Strong organisational skills with a proven track record of managing complex schedules, events, and school operations.
- People Leadership: High emotional intelligence, expertise in staff appraisal, recruitment, professional learning, and dispute resolution.
- Personal Attributes: High standards of personal professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
- Community Engagement: A genuine passion for holistic education, co-curricular involvement, and active participation in school community life.