IT Operations and Security Analyst

Southern Institute of Technology; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Job summary

Southern Institute of Technology is seeking an IT Operations and Security Analyst to join our in-house Digital team in Invercargill. You will coordinate cybersecurity initiatives, assist with incidents and audits, and develop security policies and procedures to safeguard SIT's information assets.

The role focuses on risk management, governance and continuous improvement, with opportunities to work across cloud and on-premises environments and engage with stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience in information security, cybersecurity operations, risk management, compliance, or IT governance.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 security technologies and cloud security principles.
• Experience with cybersecurity frameworks, audit processes and security assessments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess and manage risk effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical implementation.
• A proactive attitude and genuine interest in emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cybersecurity initiatives across the organisation.
• Provide expert assistance for cybersecurity incidents, alerts, investigations, and response activities.
• Develop, maintain and improve IT security policies, standards, procedures and documentation.
• Oversee cybersecurity compliance activities and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Assess and improve SIT's security posture against recognised frameworks such as NIST and CIS.
• Administer and enhance Microsoft security platforms including Microsoft Defender, Intune, Purview and Sentinel.
• Support the development and implementation of security controls across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Develop security awareness, training and communication material for staff and students.
• Coordinate risk management activities and contribute to organisational reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve IT processes, governance, operational resilience and cybersecurity maturity.
• Work collaboratively with IT teams to embed security best practice across all technology services.

Skills

Cybersecurity experience

Microsoft 365 security

Security frameworks

Risk management

Stakeholder comms

Strategic thinking

Proactive mindset

IT governance

Education

Tertiary qualification in IT/Cybersecurity

Tools

Microsoft Defender

Intune

Purview

Sentinel

Job description

Southern Institute of Technology is passionateabout providing quality education andthe best support services to our students and organisation. We are always looking for bright, innovative andsupportive individuals to join us.

Current vacancies

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IT Operations and Security Analyst

Southern Institute of Technology

Permanent Full-Time

An exciting opportunity has become available for an IT Operations and Security Analyst to join our in-house Digital team at Southern Institute of Technology.

This role is ideal for someone who is invested in cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, and continuous improvement. You'll help strengthen SIT's cybersecurity posture while working alongside a high-performing IT team to ensure our infrastructure, systems, and processes remain secure, resilient, and aligned with industry best practice.

You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation and external partners to manage security initiatives, coordinate security projects, support audits, and develop policies and processes that help safeguard SIT's information assets.

This is an opportunity for someone wishing to take the next step in their career, as we are welcoming not just experienced applicants, but also those who are able to demonstrate their initiative and interest in this area and are looking to get started in a cybersecurity role.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinate cybersecurity initiatives across the organisation.
• Provide expert assistance for the IT team with cybersecurity incidents, alerts, investigations, and response activities.
• Develop, maintain and improve IT security policies, standards, procedures and documentation.
• Oversee cybersecurity compliance activities and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Assess and improve SIT's security posture against recognised frameworks such as NIST and CIS.
• Administer and enhance Microsoft security platforms including Microsoft Defender, Intune, Purview and Sentinel.
• Support the development and implementation of security controls across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Develop security awareness, training and communication material for staff and students.
• Coordinate risk management activities and contribute to organisational reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve IT processes, governance, operational resilience and cybersecurity maturity.
• Work collaboratively with IT teams to embed security best practice across all technology services.

What You’ll Bring

• A tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience in information security, cybersecurity operations, risk management, compliance, or IT governance.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 security technologies and cloud security principles.
• Experience working with cybersecurity frameworks, audit processes and security assessments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess and manage risk effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical implementation.
• A proactive attitude and genuine interest in emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• A genuinely fun team environment with supportive, experienced colleagues.
• The opportunity to help shape and improve the cybersecurity direction of a leading tertiary institution.
• Exposure to modern Microsoft cloud and security technologies.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• 37.5 hour week with 5 weeks' annual leave plus paid leave during the Christmas closure period

Technology You’ll Work With

You’ll support a varied environment that includes on-prem infrastructure and Microsoft cloud services, with a focus on reliability, security and continuous improvement. Ideally you will have familiarity with some of the products below, but we will also provide training and support.

• CIS & NIST security frameworks
• Software Centre Configuration Manager (SCCM)
• Security auditing and compliance tools
• Risk management and reporting platforms

Working at Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill

As one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes, SIT’s focus is on innovation and the future. That means we provide opportunities not just for our students, but for our staff as well. We offer an enjoyable and collaborative working environment focused on continuous improvement, where you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to tertiary education delivery, benefit from ongoing professional development and training, and be part of a flexible, values-driven workplace culture.

A job description for this role is available below in Documents to Download.

Applications will close on 2nd October 2026 and will be reviewed as they are received. Due to the fast-paced nature of our vacancies, close dates may be subject to change.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.