Systems Manager & Developer

Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks annual leave

6.75% superannuation

Flexible working

Onsite UC facilities

Job summary

University of Canterbury seeks an experienced systems and software professional to manage and improve a multi-platform computing environment across Linux, Windows and MacOS. You will develop software and automated solutions to support teaching and research, upgrade systems and ensure secure, reliable, and well-monitored environments with backup and disaster recovery.

You will work closely with academic staff, researchers, Digital Services and technical teams, troubleshooting complex issues and

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ computer systems administration experience, preferably in large multi-user environments.
• Minimum 3 years’ software development experience with technical documentation.
• Strong knowledge of programming languages, scripting and fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience with Linux, Windows and MacOS environments.
• Experience with modern web technologies and troubleshooting.
• Relational database administration and programming advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve the multi-platform computing environment (Linux/Windows/MacOS).
• Develop software and automated solutions to support teaching and research.
• Upgrade systems, infrastructure and applications with secure, reliable, monitored environments and backups.
• Collaborate with academic staff, researchers, Digital Services and technical teams to troubleshoot issues.
• Develop specialist tools and services and identify performance and UX improvements.

Skills

Systems administration

Software development

Programming languages

Scripting

Linux administration

Windows administration

MacOS administration

Web technologies

Database administration

Education

Bachelors with Honours in Computer Science or Software Engineering

NZQA Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate

Tools

Linux

Windows

MacOS

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Fixed term position until 17 December 2027, 37.5 hours per week
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

You will manage and continuously improve the Department’s multi-platform computing environment, primarily across Linux, Windows and MacOS, while developing software and automated solutions to support teaching and research. Upgrading systems, infrastructure and applications, ensuring secure, reliable and well-monitored environments with effective backup and disaster recovery. Working closely with academic staff, researchers, Digital Services and technical teams, you will troubleshoot complex issues, develop specialist tools and services, and identify opportunities to improve system performance, efficiency and user experience.

You are an experienced systems and software professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and creating practical solutions in a specialist computing environment. You will also be able to demonstrate experience in:

• Minimum 7 years’ computer systems administration experience, preferably gained in large networked, multi-user, multi-platform (particularly Linux) environments, or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years’ software development experience, including the writing of technical documentation, or equivalent.
• Strong practical knowledge across programming languages, scripting, and programming fundamentals
• Extensive hands-on experience administering Linux, Windows, and MacOS environments
• Proven experience working with modern web technologies and advanced software troubleshooting
• Experience with relational database administration and programming would be advantageous
• Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Computer Science or Software Engineering, plus relevant Postgraduate Diploma(s) and Certificate(s), (NZQA Level 8).
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work closely with academic staff, researchers, postgraduate students, technical colleagues, Digital Services, and external contractors. Acting as a key technical link between the Department and wider University technology teams, helping deliver solutions that support teaching, research, and innovation.

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangement
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

The closing date for this position is: 25 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.