Senior Architect

University of Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Otago is seeking a qualified architect for a dynamic role in its Property & Campus Development Division. This full-time position involves leading design teams and managing architecture standards for transformative campus projects. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills and extensive experience with complex projects in public or educational settings. You will play a vital role in shaping the future of our campuses while fostering engagement and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Qualified architect with experience in complex projects.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in public sector or large estate portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Lead design teams for innovative university projects.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across diverse departments.
• Ensure project alignment with university strategic goals.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Planning

Communication

Design Documentation

Building Construction Knowledge

Commercial Awareness

Education

Professional Architect Membership

Tools

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Job description

__________

Property & Campus Development Division

Kā Rawa me Te Whanakehaka Papa Taurima

About Our Team/Mō Te Tīma

The Property and Campus Development team supports the ongoing academic mission of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka by providing the best facilities, services and physical environment in which staff, students and the public can learn, teach, live and play.

Within Campus Development, we lead the vision and execution of transformative building redevelopments and new construction projects. We provide forward-thinking strategic planning, establish impactful facility and design standards, and develop long-term capital plans that shape the future of our campuses. Sustainability, open communication, and active community engagement are at the core of everything we build and achieve together.

The role/Te mahi

Are you ready to take on a dynamic leadership role where your expertise will shape the future of our campuses? We’re seeking a visionary professional to drive university-wide architecture and design projects and standards and work in partnership with our design consultants to ensure positive outcomes for our campus and community.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and inspire project design teams to deliver innovative, strategic projects.
• Support campus planning, property management, and asset strategy initiatives.
• Ensure all projects align with the university’s strategic goals.
• Advocate for policies and provide expert advice on legislative impacts.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across diverse teams and departments.
• Oversee budgets and ensure full compliance with university policies.
  
  
  

Your skills and experience/Kā Pūkeka Me Kā Wheako

We’re looking for a qualified architect with membership in a professional institution and solid experience delivering complex projects—ideally in universities, public sector, or large estate portfolios, including new build, refurbishment and fit-outs.

You’ll have proven senior leadership skills, a talent for building strong relationships, and the ability to manage stakeholders with ease. Experience working across a variety of building types and large estate portfolios is essential.

Other key skills include:

• Ability to work with stakeholders to develop project briefs, whilst ensuring strategic goals can be met.
• Demonstrated strong commercial awareness, political insight, and customer service ethics.
• Ability to effectively contribute to business case development, including non-financial aspects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in preparing design and construction documentation.
• Strong knowledge of building construction and detailing.
• Advanced design and critical thinking skills.
• Sound judgment with the ability to think logically and analyse complex data and information.
• Commitment to continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) would be advantageous.
• Dedication to working in a culturally safe and respectful manner and demonstrated understanding and appreciation of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and Pasifika values.
  
  
  

While based primarily at the main campus in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, there will be a requirement to occasionally travel to other University campuses across Aotearoa.

Further details/Pūroko

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

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.

The appointment range for this role is $111,432 to $124,980, top of range $138,530.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information or to discuss the roles in confidence - please contact Gordon Roy, Associate Director Planning and Development via the contact details below.

Application/Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2500867 will close Sunday, 6 July 2025

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.