Manager Creative Services

University of Otago; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious higher education institution in New Zealand seeks a Manager Creative Services to oversee and lead its creative function. This full-time role involves managing a design and content team, ensuring the delivery of impactful creative work across various channels. The ideal candidate has strong experience in creative management and exceptional communication skills, and aligns with the university's marketing strategy. Competitive compensation is offered, along with additional benefits.

Benefits

5 weeks’ annual leave

6.75% superannuation scheme

Encouraged work/life balance

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a creative services, design, or content team.
• Strong understanding of digital-first creative execution.
• Expertise in creative workflows and project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage multidisciplinary team for creative functions.
• Oversee workflow, budgets, and resources.
• Champion creative excellence from briefing to delivery.

Skills

Managing a creative services team

Digital-first creative execution

Project management

Brand governance

Mentoring creatives

Communication skills

Proficiency in creative tools

Job description

The role

The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is seeking a Manager Creative Services to manage our busy in-house creative function. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary team of design, content production, photography and publication specialists. This role bridges creative strategy and execution, ensuring the right people, processes and priorities are in place to deliver impactful creative work across digital, print, social, brand, campaign and corporate channels. You’ll oversee workflow, manage budgets and resources, and actively champion creative excellence from briefing to delivery. You will ensure brand stewardship, enable client-focused solutions and lead out scalable systems that support efficient and consistent creative delivery. You will build strong relationships across the Division of External Engagement and support your team to engage proactively with the University community, ensuring alignment with the University’s marketing strategy. As the strategy evolves, you’ll guide the team to collaborate, adapt, and maintain creative impact in an ever-changing environment.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

• Proven experience managing a creative services, design, or content team.
• A strong understanding of digital-first creative execution and customer experience.
• Expertise in creative workflows and project/studio management.
• Solid background in brand governance and maintaining consistency across channels.
• Experience mentoring and leading creatives across disciplines.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in creative tools and project management platforms.

The University | Te whare wānaka

Established in 1869, the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is New Zealand\'s first university. Our strong reputation in teaching and research excellence, as well as established national and international linkages, makes us a popular choice amongst students considering tertiary education. Recently, the University of Otago has unveiled two ambitious strategies – Vision 2040 and Pae Tata – which includes our commitment to becoming a Te-Tiriti led tertiary institution. Ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world, the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka recognises that our staff are key to our success.

Further Details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent role, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $107,320 to $115,834, Top of Range $124,348.

We offer competitive salary, 5 weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and encourage work/life balance.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of kaimahi with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2501242 will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

Contact: Hone Paul

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin