Operations Manager

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 106,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

UniSaver Superannuation

Additional university holidays

Subsidised healthcare cover

Professional development & learning

Facilities discounts

Staff discounts with retailers

Study fee concession

Job summary

Massey University is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for Transnational Education (TNE) within the Office of Global Partnerships. You will lead operational delivery across a complex TNE portfolio, coordinate governance and risk management, and work with academic staff, senior leaders and external partners to enable sustainable growth.

This role offers strategic influence and day‑to‑day operational excellence across Auckland, Wellington or Manawatū campuses, with a focus on scalable,

Qualifications

• Proven operational leadership within a complex organisation.
• Experience coordinating governance, risk, and compliance.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship building.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across a diverse portfolio.
• Coordinate activities, manage risks, and oversee governance processes.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Governance risk compliance

Financial & commercial acumen

Process improvement

People leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification in business/management or related discipline

Job description

Operations Manager, Transnational Education (TNE)

Office of Global Partnerships

Auckland, Wellington or Manawatū Campus

Massey University is a world-leading university with a proud history of transforming lives through education, research, and innovation. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where our people can thrive and contribute to making a positive difference locally and globally.

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Operations Manager, Transnational Education (TNE) to join our Office of Global Partnerships. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for supporting the successful delivery, governance, growth, and continuous improvement of Massey's transnational education portfolio and international partnerships.

About the role

Working at the centre of the University, you will provide operational leadership across a diverse and complex portfolio, ensuring initiatives, partnerships, and programmes are delivered effectively and sustainably. You will work closely with academic and professional staff, senior leaders, and external partners to coordinate activities, manage risks, oversee governance processes, and drive operational excellence.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence strategic outcomes while ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Salary band

NZ$106,208 - $137,445 1 FTE 37.50hrs p/wk.

Key to your success will be:

• Proven experience providing operational leadership within a complex organisation, successfully managing multiple programmes, priorities, and stakeholder groups simultaneously.
• A tertiary qualification in business, management, international education, public administration, law, international relations, commerce or a related discipline.
• Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships, influence outcomes, negotiate effectively, and work collaboratively across diverse functions and cultures.
• Demonstrated governance, risk, compliance, commercial and financial management expertise, including the ability to monitor performance, manage budgets, analyse information, and provide sound advice to support decision-making.
• A track record of identifying operational inefficiencies and implementing improved systems, processes, and service delivery models that enhance effectiveness and scalability, particularly during periods of organisational change.
• Strong people leadership capability, with the ability to lead and support staff, manage competing demands, exercise sound judgement, and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
• A collaborative and collegial approach. As part of a small team within the Office of Global Partnerships, you'll be someone who contributes positively to team culture, supports colleagues, and works effectively across the wider University.

What you'll bring

• Significant experience in operational management, programme management, or business operations.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Experience managing governance, risk, and compliance requirements.
• Financial and commercial acumen.
• A continuous improvement mindset and a focus on delivering practical outcomes.
• The ability to work effectively in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Why Massey University?

At Massey, we care about our people and offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development, and work-life balance, including:

• Up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme.
• Five additional university holidays each year.
• Subsidised Southern Cross healthcare cover.
• Access to professional development and learning opportunities.
• Discounted membership to our recreation and sports facilities.
• Staff purchasing privileges and discounts with a wide range of retail and service providers.

• Staff fee concession for study with Massey and 30% discount on fees for immediate family of staff undertaking undergraduate study (conditions apply)

Join us

If you are a strategic and practical operational leader who enjoys building strong relationships, improving systems and processes, and contributing to the success of a globally connected university, we would love to hear from you.

Applications close Sunday 18 October 2026, 11.00pm.