School Operations Manager

Full job description
Nga korero mo te turanga - About the role

Are you a skilled operational leader ready to shape the future of administrative excellence at one of New Zealand's leading business schools? The Waikato Management School is seeking a permanent School Operations Manager to oversee academic administration and drive continuous improvement across our division.

In this pivotal role, you'll lead the School Administration team and support strategic initiatives, including financial management, business planning, and the integration of innovative AI solutions. You'll play a key part in ensuring our academic programmes and services run smoothly, supporting both staff and students to achieve success.

Salary will be in the range of $++,865 to $110,3+2 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based at our Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton.

For more information on the role, please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Stuart Dillon, Executive Head of Schools, Stuart.Dillon@waikato.ac.nz

All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You'll be a proactive and experienced professional, ideally with:

an undergraduate degree in a relevant field or significant equivalent experience
proven skills in leading and motivating teams, with the ability to manage complex administrative operations
strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to influence and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders
advanced computer literacy, with a willingness to embrace new systems and AI-driven solutions
a commitment to fostering an inclusive, culturally aware, and high-performing work environment
experience with AI tools for administrative functions, knowledge of university systems, and familiarity with tertiary education processes (will be advantageous).
Don't meet every single requirement? Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At the University of Waikato, we're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai matou? - Who are we?

The Waikato Management School (WMS) is recognised internationally for its excellence in business education and research. As one of only a select group of business schools worldwide with Triple Crown accreditation, WMS prides itself on delivering relevant, rigorous, and innovative programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

At the University of Waikato, we're driven by our vision to be a research-intensive university offering a globally connected, innovative, and inclusive student experience. Our commitment to partnership with Maori, diversity, creativity, and integrity underpins everything we do.

He aha nga take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

Applications close on Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Requisition number: 1002767

For more information and to apply, visit www.jobs.waikato.ac.nz