Waipapa Taumata Rau| The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent University, with a turnover in excess of $1.3bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. With over 6,000 staff and 45,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex entities.  

About the team | Mō tō mātou rōpū 

Campus Life operates a range of wellbeing services such as Student Accommodation, Counselling and Health Services and Sport and Recreation, which are aimed at removing personal barriers to academic success.  It also operates engagement services such as support for student organisations, social and sporting events, volunteering and leadership support aimed at helping students to develop a sense of belonging, build friendships and engage in co-curricular activities that complement their academic development.

The Student Accommodation portfolio encompasses 4,500 beds across 14 fully catered and self-catered properties. The primary purpose of our Accommodation portfolio is to attract high potential students from within and beyond Auckland, provide an environment that supports their personal wellbeing, and help them meet their full academic potential. 

We are now seeking to appoint a new Operations & Wellbeing Manager - Accommodation.

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join the Accommodation leadership team and help provide operational leadership of Accommodation at the University. The Operations Manager is accountable for the overall delivery of an effective student accommodation service that ensures resident students receive an outstanding experience and benefit from all of the advantages that living on campus allows.

Some other key responsibilities include:

• Staff Leadership - Lead the development of a highly successful, cohesive team focused on the delivery of a vibrant, engaging and supportive campus experience and excellent service.
• Strategy, Planning & Decision Making – Strategic planning for the Accommodation portfolio and contribution to Campus Life’s strategic and annual planning.
• Operational Leadership - Ensure that accommodation is a safe and secure physical living and working environment for students, staff and clients in University owned and operated accommodation. Monitor all accommodation to ensure safe, effective and efficient management throughout the year and ensure appropriate resourcing for periods of seasonal peak activity.
• Facility Management - ensure all required regulatory inspections and reporting is completed. Monitor the satisfactory performance of cleaning, catering and other contractors within the area. Liaise with Property Services staff and maintenance contractors as required for issues that need escalation including maintenance, repairs and renovations.
• Student Residential Experience – Focus on resident wellbeing and conduct and ensure that effective support and student leadership is in place.
• Health, Safety, Wellbeing – Ensure that all the safety of residents and staff is the highest priority and in accordance with University health and safety policy.
• Financial Planning and Budgeting Work with the Commercial Manager – Accommodation to ensure operations are within budget and financial targets are met.
• Continuous Improvement - Work collaboratively toward continuous improvement processes throughout the service division – both operationally and strategically.

For more information, please see Position Description

About you | He kōrero mōu

With proven operational leadership skills, ideally in an Accommodation setting, you will be able to inspire and motivate your team and other key stakeholders. This role requires demonstrated experience in managing complex budgets and assets to maximise both the resident experience and revenues. Some other key requirements include:

• A relevant degree level qualification and preferably in a financial/commercial
• Proven ability with delivering complex projects and business improvement initiatives in large organisations.
• Experience with business intelligence & operational reporting and data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills combined with a proven ability to work with financial information.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work with a range of staff and students at all levels within a large complex organisation.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

We offer the opportunity to extend your experience with New Zealand’s leading University in a way that can also have a positive impact on the lives of students. We also offer:

• Five weeks’ annual leave per annum.
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution.
• Over 300 different career development courses.
• Discounted parking and various leisure and recreation services.
• A diverse and inclusive working environment.

For more information on the benefits of working here, see our Staff Benefits page.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Sunday 12th December and include an up to date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Josh Chapman – [email protected]

Additional Information

Covid-19 Vaccination

The University of Auckland is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of our staff and students.  All students, staff and visitors need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or medically exempt, in order to come onto our campuses or to take part in face-to-face University-managed activities. Therefore, we are only able to consider applicants who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a New Zealand Ministry of Health issued medical exemption and evidence of this will be requested as part of your employment. You can read more about the University’s vaccination policy here.

Overseas Applicants

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for seven days on arrival.  

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an offshore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website. 

Equity 

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz 

Covid-19 Vaccination

The University of Auckland is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of our staff and students.  All students, staff and visitors need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or medically exempt, in order to come onto our campuses or to take part in face-to-face University-managed activities. Therefore, we are only able to consider applicants who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a New Zealand Ministry of Health issued medical exemption and evidence of this will be requested as part of your employment. You can read more about the University’s vaccination policy here.

Overseas Applicants

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for seven days on arrival.  

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an offshore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz