School Manager

Auckland University of Technology; Auckland; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is seeking a senior operations leader to provide strategic and operational oversight across the School’s financial, administrative, people and operational functions.

You will lead planning, budgeting, workforce and HR processes, facilities and resource management, and drive process improvements with a practical, solutions-focused approach while embedding AUT’s Te Aronui framework and commitments to equity and diversity.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations in a medium to large organisation.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and resource planning capabilities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to lead process improvements and digital transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the School’s finance, people and administrative functions.
• Lead planning, budgeting, workforce and HR processes, facilities and resource management.
• Drive operational improvement and portfolio-aligned strategic projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including People and Culture, Finance and ICT.
• Support Te Aronui framework and equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

People leadership

Operational delivery

Change management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

Microsoft 365

ERP/financial systems

Job description

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a young university with a strong focus on research-led teaching and an innovative, student-centric academic environment. Our mission is to produce great graduates who enter the workforce able to...

• Provide strategic and operational leadership within the School, partnering closely with the Head of School and School Leadership Team
• Lead financial, people and resource management, ensuring effective planning, compliance and delivery across the School
• Drive operational improvement and strategic projects, including process improvement and digital transformation
• Permanent, full-time role based at AUT's Akoranga or City Campus

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's newest university and one of its most distinctive. Centred on students and grounded in knowledge that works, AUT is 5-star rated by QS, with more than 27,000 students and 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. It's a place of real opportunity, where the values of Pono, Tika and Aroha shape how talented, progressive people work together - and you'll feel that in the culture, in the collaboration and in the difference the work makes for students, communities and the world. Our community is stronger because of the role Te Tiriti plays in how we operate, and because Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership and contribution are central to who we are. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

About the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences AUT's Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences is a vibrant, interdisciplinary academic community committed to improving health, wellbeing and environmental sustainability locally and globally. The Faculty brings together leading educators, researchers and practitioners across health sciences, public health, rehabilitation, sport and exercise science, food science, chemistry, biology, biomedical science, and environmental science, with a strong emphasis on applied learning and real-world impact. Staff benefit from close links with industry, iwi, communities and government, opportunities for collaborative and translational research, and a culture that values innovation, equity and social responsibility. The Faculty offers an engaging, supportive environment for talented academics who want their teaching and research to make a meaningful difference in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

This is a senior leadership opportunity to provide strategic and operational oversight across two Schools within AUT's Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences.

Reporting to the Director - Faculty Operations and working closely with the Head of School and School Leadership Team, you will provide leadership across the School's financial, administrative, people and operational functions. You will be a key point of contact for operational matters, providing advice and support that enables the School to achieve its strategic and academic objectives.

You will lead operational planning, budget management, workforce and HR processes, facilities and resource management, and ensure effective systems and processes are in place to support the School's activities. You'll also contribute to faculty-wide priorities and initiatives through special projects and portfolio responsibilities.

A key part of the role will be identifying opportunities to improve how the School operates, including process improvement and responsible use of digital tools and technology. You'll work collaboratively across the School, Faculty and wider University with stakeholders including People and Culture, Finance and Procurement, Estates and ICT.

This role requires sound judgement, strong relationship management and the ability to work confidently across a complex tertiary environment. You'll bring a practical, solutions-focused approach while balancing strategic priorities with the day-to-day operational needs of the School.

You will also play an important leadership role in embedding AUT's Te Aronui framework, values and commitment to creating equitable and mana-enhancing outcomes.

At AUT you’ll be part of a values-led university with a strong, caring culture, flexible working, generous annual leave and support to thrive in your role and career. We provide the tools, trust, recognition frameworks and cultural capability development programmes to help you make a meaningful contribution. Learn more about our competitive benefits tailored to all staff.

About you | Ko wai koe

As an experienced operations leader, you'll bring the ability to balance strategic thinking with strong operational delivery. You'll be comfortable working across a broad portfolio of financial, people, administrative and organisational responsibilities and able to build trusted relationships across a complex organisation.

You’ll have strong judgement, initiative and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience working within a tertiary environment would be highly valued. You’ll also bring cultural humility and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Indigenous peoples and diverse communities. Experience supporting equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives is highly valued.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification and significant experience in operations management within a medium to large organisation
• Experience in financial management, budgeting and resource planning, with a sound understanding of accounting principles and processes
• Strong people leadership, organisational and administrative skills, with experience managing complex HR processes
• Excellent communication, relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across a diverse stakeholder group
• Experience leading projects, change initiatives and process improvements
• High digital fluency, including experience with financial management systems and Microsoft 365 applications
• Strategic thinking and strong problem-solving skills, combined with a practical and solutions-focused approach
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and supportive of AUT's Te Aronui journey.

Start Date:To be agreed with the successful candidate.

Salary Range | Ngā Utu: $110,000 - $131,000 commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

For further information: Contact Caroline Cranston, AUT Recruitment Consultant – [e-mail]

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 96459

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