Waipapa Taumata Rau| The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent University, with a turnover 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.

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join the Campus Life team and provide strategic leadership of Retail & Catering services at the University. The core role of the Retail & Catering Manager is to develop, lead and manage a high performing team to deliver all retail, food and beverage services on-campus, meeting the diverse needs of our large community. It’s a small but busy team, responsible for a highly tangible part of the day to day experience on-campus for students, staff and visitors.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership - Provide leadership, mentoring and direction for staff members and encourage behaviours aligned to the development and maintenance of a culture that is inclusive, flexible and encourages excellence.
• Strategy, Planning & Business Development – Strategic planning and business development for Retail & Catering and contribution to Campus Life’s strategic and annual planning. This also includes conducting RFP’s to select new retail/food operators, and contract management to drive performance.
• Operational Leadership – Oversee the delivery of Retail & Catering services, working closely with suppliers and other University teams whilst also implementing efficient systems, processes and tools to ensure effective service delivery.
• Financial Planning and Budgeting This includes operating and capital budgets, reviews of  opportunities to maximise revenue and business cases to support new investment.
• Stakeholder Management Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills through relationship management, advocacy and negotiation both internally and with outside organisations and key stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation – Own and drive improvement initiatives and new product development across the Retail & Catering function – both operationally and strategically.
• Sustainability - Ensure that the University’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals are being realised in operations and contracts.
• Health, Safety, Wellbeing – ensure that all retailers and food operators meet compliance requirements.

For more information, please see Position Description

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.

Retail & Catering, part of Campus Life, provides accessible food, beverages and products for students and staff, to enrich their on-campus experience at the University. Almost all of the 24 retail stores on-campus are independently owned and operated, under licence agreements managed by the Retail team. The University branded apparel and merchandise store is managed directly by the Retail team.  Catering at the many functions and events held each year, and also across the halls of residence, is provided via professional caterers, who are managed via comprehensive contracts by the Catering team.

About you | He kōrero mōu

With proven leadership skills, you will value contributions from a variety of sources and be able to inspire and motivate your team and other key stakeholders. This role requires demonstrated and successful management experience in Retail and/or Catering or food services, achieved over several years. You should also be highly commercially savvy and have proven problem solving skills, excellent engagement ability and comfortable managing revenue and expenditure budgets, preferably in a multi-faceted business. Some other key requirements include:

• At least 7-10 years management experience in retail / food services roles.
• 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 at all levels within a large complex organisation.
• A relevant degree level qualification

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.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 3rd March to be considered.

Please include a short Cover Letter, and your CV highlighting why you are interested in joining us, and how you can meet the requirements of our vacancy.

You can reach out to Joshua Chapman (Senior Recruitment Partner | Mātanga Kimi Kaimahi) via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. We welcome enquiries but are unable to accept direct email applications.

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz