NeSI - New Zealand eScience Infrastructure - is New Zealand's high-performance computing and data research infrastructure. NeSI provides platforms and expertise which enable the country's researchers to respond to critical missions of national significance and explore new frontiers for our people, across industries, and within our environments. NeSI is currently an unincorporated collaborative venture of four research institutions, and this role sits at the University of Auckland as the host organisation of NeSI.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Over the next few years the Government is looking to equip the research sector for a new period of increased collaboration, growth in scale, and a renewed sense of mission. There are clear drivers for eResearch infrastructure to enable these future aspirations. NeSI is looking for an experienced Business Operations Manager ready to partner within a values-based leadership team. We’re seeking a trusted team member who values enabling research sector collaborations and who feels comfortable guiding operations teams in a learning environment. Sustaining significant research outcomes from the use of NeSI platforms and services is our core focus – at its core, this senior management position contributes to incremental development and learning of the organisation, with a strategic mindset looking towards greater national good.

Working closely with the Director, wider team, and stakeholders, your team supports strategic planning and provides coaching to the wider team on operational activities, alongside core focus areas in finance, contracts, and people. This will see you leading the business operations team (primarily Agile Practice/Portfolio and Site Managers) working both locally and embedding within key partners to ensure they have the clarity of direction, resources, training, and support to perform in their roles. 

• Effectively manage relationships with research sector partners, collaborators and key stakeholders, across finance & investment, human resources, and legal contracts.
• Support the NeSI Board in their governance over NeSI, including in setting strategy and holding to account for performance.
• Contribute to the development of external funding applications and research contract proposals.
• Manage finances across the partnership in line with funding and agreements on return on investment for partners and stakeholders.

For more detailed information, please refer to the POSITION DESCRIPTION 

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

NeSI partners with research sector institutions to achieve a critical mass of high-performance computing expertise and capability nationally. NeSI is an unincorporated body, with investment from New Zealand universities, Crown Research Institutes, and the Crown through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Our purpose is to grow the computing and analytics capability of researchers to ensure New Zealand’s future prosperity.

If you’re interested in leading edge technology and scientific research this senior Operational Management role may be your next move.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We need a forward thinking, dynamic and adaptable senior leader to succeed in the role. Given the change and new landscape ahead, you will thrive in varied role with a broad scope.

You will have previous experience in leading business operations and be comfortable working within an innovative and entrepreneurial environment and have an information technology and scientific bent. You’ll be interested in business and operating models and their growth and development.

An understanding of the New Zealand research sector would be an advantage.  Preference will be given to those who are able to point to their success as a developer of teams and who have honed their skills in a high-tech or research-intensive environment.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Legal contract expertise within contract-based organisations and teams
• Understanding of advanced ICT infrastructures and technologies
• Working knowledge of video conferencing technologies and other collaborative information technologies e.g. document sharing systems

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information please visit Staff Benefits.

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.  

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 19th February 2023 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Lisa Matthews via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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