Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading University. It employs over 6,000 academic and professional staff to support over 42,000 students making us one of NZ’s largest employers. 

Our significant Property Portfolio represents a vibrant, valuable, and complex network of physical spaces that enable learning and teaching, research and innovation, support the student experience as well as our partnerships and engagement.

The Property Services team has a strong reputation for providing a leading-edge planning and development consultancy that contributes to the success of the University of Auckland through the provision of high-quality physical environments. We build and service some of the largest and most complex buildings and construction projects in the country.

Te Rautaki Tūāpapa, our new Estate Strategy to 2030, reinforces our commitment to sustainability and  provides a cohesive, future-focussed and coordinated approach to investment in, and management of, our physical environments throughout the University estate.

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Planning & Development to help lead our planning and development team and take the lead on large projects and programmes of work.

You will be working across a wide and varied portfolio of projects successfully managing consultant teams focussed on the briefing, design and documentation phases. Opportunities include working on specialist research facilities like the recently completed Space Institute in the Engineering School, high-tech teaching spaces like our Financial Lab and student accommodation upgrades right through to our much larger programme builds which include state of the art scientific and medical research facilities; teaching and learning facilities; or projects to support the student experience such as  the new Recreation and Wellness Centre prominent on Symonds Street.

This is a pivotal role with key accountability for the planning, resourcing, investigation and design of major capital works projects.

Some key aspects and responsibilities include:

• Engaging with and managing consultant design teams.  
• Management of an experienced team of internal project managers engaged on capital projects.
• Stakeholder management across the University community and externally. 
• Ensuring the implementation of the University’s sustainability goals and meeting sustainability criteria identified for each project.  Project procurement including calling and evaluation of tenders, tender documents, adherence to standards and consents.
• Delivering exciting and cutting-edge design which talks to our place in Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, and the Pacific region.
• Construction management including leading internal and external teams, monitoring and recording progress including financials whilst liaising with engineers, consultants, the planning team and other internal stakeholders.
• The development and implementing masterplans.
• Managing resourcing, investigations, project briefs, programmes, design reports and budget approvals.
• Strategic and Risk management.

For more information, please see POSITION DESCRIPTION

About you | He kōrero mōu

As an experienced leader, our ideal candidate will demonstrate a high-level ability to influence and communicate effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders. They will demonstrate cultural sensitivity, embrace diversity, and have the technical background to understand projects from multiple viewpoints and this will come from significant commercial and project management experience from a construction/architecture environment. They will operate with energy and passion and will demonstrate a collaborative approach where they partner closely with peers, value the needs of others and model best practice principals and behaviours. Leadership, teamwork, customer focus and negotiation skills are vital to the role.

Preference will be given to candidates with a proven understanding of large-scale building programmes and large impact compliance works and those who can demonstrate an ability to think and act strategically to provide valuable input to achieve the best long-term outcomes.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

We offer our staff more than just a job - we offer them an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, world class organisation which provides staff with benefits and support throughout their lives and careers. We have a number of generous benefits that we believe will be important to you:

• We realise your time is important to you. We offer a range of leave entitlements, including five weeks annual leave a year, and flexible working arrangements which allow for a greater work life balance.
• UoA staff have access to two superannuation plans, Kiwisaver and UniSaver New Zealand, with the University contributing 6.75% annually towards UniSaver.
• Your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a range of support programmes and benefits available to support health and wellbeing. Discounted health insurance and eye testing, flu jabs, a Recreation Centre on campus, as well as a new state of the art centre being built right now (with an Olympic size pool).
• Enjoy our beautiful park like grounds and take advantage of the facilities on offer  including childcare, parking, cafes, libraries etc.

For more information please visit our comprehensive and exciting list of Staff Benefits.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Wednesday 23rd November and include an up to date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

Please note, we do not accept direct email applications

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Josh Chapman – [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, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz