Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Recreation Centre - Facility Operations Team Leader (known internally as Operations Team Leader) for our state-of-the-art Sport and Recreation Centre, Hiwa, a globally recognised hub for sport, health, and wellbeing on campus.

In this role, you will play a key leadership part in the operational delivery of Sport and Recreation facilities and services, ensuring high-quality service delivery and a consistently excellent experience for members and visitors. You will work closely with the wider Sport and Recreation team to maintain operational standards, support staff, and contribute to the ongoing success of the department.

This position will have four direct reports and is essential in ensuring our centre meets or exceeds the needs of our diverse customer base, while maintaining a strong focus on health, safety, and legislative compliance standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• You will provide leadership and development for the Operations team, including setting clear expectations, delivering coaching and feedback, supporting professional development, fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture, and ensuring staff are trained, resourced, and empowered to succeed.
• Facility Operation and Management: You will manage day-to-day operations, including facility maintenance, health and safety compliance, asset management, and facility scheduling and event logistics.
• Stakeholder Service: You will act as a key connector across both internal and external partners, upholding exceptional standards of customer service, resolving escalated issues, and ensuring a positive experience for all patrons.
• Financial Management: You will track and report on all KPIs to ensure optimal use of financial resources.

Hiwa has been recognised globally through numerous awards and has seen membership uptake exceed targets set for 2030. This role is an opportunity for you to work hands-on and continue to shape the reputation of the facility at the University of Auckland, while ensuring the safe, efficient, and enjoyable operation of our facilities, programmes, and services alongside a team of highly passionate individuals.

For more information about the role, please view the position description linked HERE.

To learn about Hiwa, our Recreation Centre, please visit our website. 

This is a full-time (37.5 hrs/week), permanent role working Monday to Friday. The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $90,000, negotiable depending on skills and experience.

On occasion, you will be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support business needs and operational requirements (e.g. event logistics and maintenance).

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will have a passion for sport and recreation, customer experience, and event delivery, along with a commitment to health and safety and a dedication to developing a team that provides a positive and inclusive environment for all university community members. You will also be a natural problem solver, where no problem is too big, using good initiative to get things done.

You will not be afraid to roll up your sleeves and muck in, whether it be a team planning meeting, setting up courts, or supporting the repair of a maintenance issue. You will also have strong administrative capabilities to ensure processes and systems are streamlined and up to date, with bonus points if you thrive on creating new systems and improving existing ones.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

• Fitness, sport, or recreation-related tertiary qualification, or relevant experience supporting the operations of large-scale recreation facilities.
• Proven team leadership experience, including managing direct reports and supporting their development.
• Strong knowledge of facility operations, safety standards, and asset and risk management practices.
• Experience managing logistics for events and facility bookings across a range of activities.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities in a hands-on, solutions-focused environment.
• Competence with administrative responsibilities and the implementation of high-functioning and intuitive systems for large-scale operations.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, guided by a commitment to excellence and service to our communities. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 47,000 students.

Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Competitive salary, five weeks of annual leave, and 37.5-hour work weeks.
• Discounted public Transport for permanent staff
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver, matching up to 6.75%.
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and flexible hours.
• Free Hiwa | Recreation Centre membership
• Leading and inclusive parental leave provisions.
• Career development opportunities and a range of benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships, and on‑site amenities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday, 14 June 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Kelly Davey, Operations Programmes Manager at [email protected]

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