Research Operations Manager - Fixed Term until December

Waipapa Taumata Rau  | The University of Auckland The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers. We have eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence. The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world leading research, scholarship, teaching and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific. 

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We are seeking a fixed-term Research Operations Manager to lead the operations of two University-wide research initiatives:

• Nga Ara Whetu Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society is a University Research Centre that leads and contributes to world-class research and training, driving just and ethical action on climate change and the environment for thriving peoples and planetary wellbeing.
• The Energy Research Consortium brings together research groups from the Faculties of Business and Economics, Engineering, Science and Creative Arts and Industries, along with other researchers across the University, to enable transdisciplinary research in energy in Aotearoa NZ as it moves towards a zero-carbon economy.

This is a split role, supporting each initiative at 0.5FTE.  As Research Operations Manager, you will work closely with the Directors and leads of these research initiatives to:

• Lead the overall strategic planning process of the Centre/Consortia and implement the associated workplans.
• Manage the operations of the Centres, including monitoring progress against objectives, financial planning, operational resourcing, event coordination, communications, and risk management.
• Create, develop, and maintain links between the Centre and existing or potential stakeholders, internal and external.
• Work closely with kaiārahi to build and maintain connections with relevant iwi/hapū, with an emphasis on the inclusivity of indigenous knowledge, skills and perspectives into the Centres.
• Develop and prepare business cases and Centre reports as required.
• Identify funding opportunities and support funding proposals as required.

This position is fixed-term until 31 December 2025. For more detailed information, please refer to the  Position Description link Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team The Research Operations Manager will be based in the Faculty of Science, the largest and most highly ranked science faculty in New Zealand, but it will work extensively in the Faculties of Business and Economics, Engineering and Creative Arts and Industries and across most faculties in the University to support the transdisciplinary nature of these research initiatives. He kōrero mōu | About you You will have a track record in strategic planning processes and implementing operational plans as well as assisting with monitoring project delivery, and assisting with the writing of reports, business cases and grant applications. You will have strong communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with academic staff, other research management and university staff, students, senior management, government, industry and relevant communities.  You will be flexible, have excellent time-management skills and the ability to prioritise work to manage competing priorities. Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Postgraduate or relevant tertiary qualification, preferably with a major in an area of science relevant to the field of space or communications research
• A positive approach to working collaboratively with other team members
• Excellent proven relationship management skills
• Experience working in a management position, particularly within the Tertiary Education sector
• Understanding of strategic planning and project management

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply Please reach out to Ruth Withers for a confidential conversation.  Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email. Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of  1st June 2024 to be considered. We may close this advert early if we have a large number of applications. Please include your cover letter and/or CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above. For further support on applying and how to write your cover letter or create a CV please see the staff intranet site  Applying for Internal roles 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   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 

Additional Information

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, LGBTQIATakatāpu iMVPFAFF + , people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to   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