Aukaha Whakahaere (Head of Operations)

· Permanent, Full-time position based at Mangakōtukutuku Campus HAMILTON

· Level 11: $114,581 - $143,225 - $171,871

Mō mātou | About us

As a proudly kaupapa Māori tertiary educator, ‘tauira success’ is our mission and ‘whānau transformation through education’ is our vision, guiding our commitment to delivering quality education programmes underpinned by Māori culture and values.

Our kaimahi (employees) enjoy a whānau-friendly workplace and a great range of benefits to support their wellbeing and that of their whānau:

· Free Southern Cross health insurance and life insurance.

· Four extra leave days each year to celebrate Matariki and Christmas, plus special leave available for those involved in cultural or sporting events.

· Flexible work hours for non-rostered positions and work-from-home options for positions that can be performed away from the office.

· Free car parking at our main campuses.

Mō tēnei mahi | About this job

Are you a visionary operational leader who thrives on purpose, impact, and innovation? Do you believe in the power of kaupapa Māori and want to contribute to educational excellence across the region? If so — this is your moment.

We are seeking a dynamic Aukaha Whakahaere (Head of Operations) to join our Takiwā Senior Leadership Team and lead the operational heartbeat of Te Waenga Takiwā – the central region of one of the largest Māori tertiary education providers in Aotearoa.

In this role, you will:

· Shape strategic direction - Be a key voice at the Takiwā leadership table, influencing strategy, planning, and future-focused decision making.

· Drive financial and operational excellence - Oversee budgets, ensure compliance, manage costs, and lead the operational services that support high-quality educational delivery.

· Manage assets and infrastructure - Lead property, facilities, technology, vehicles, and the creation and maintenance of delivery sites that support exceptional tauira experiences.

· Strengthen relationships - Build trusted connections with iwi, hapū, government agencies, tertiary partners, suppliers, and communities across Aotearoa.

· Lead people and culture - Inspire kaimahi, model transformative kaupapa wānanga leadership, and help grow a thriving, high-performance culture.

· Champion continuous improvement - Identify opportunities, lead projects, and support innovation that enhances our Takiwā and the wider organisation.

Mōu | About you

As Head – Operations, you’ll ensure our delivery sites, assets, technology, finances and infrastructure empower our tauira and kaimahi to flourish. You will play a crucial part in driving whānau transformation through education, helping us create world-class learning environments embedded in mātauranga Māori.

You will have:

· A relevant bachelor’s degree (preferably Business, Finance, or Management) + postgraduate qualification

· 5+ years in senior leadership, ideally within education

· Strong financial, operational, and project management capability

· Experience managing infrastructure-related projects

· Excellent relationship building, communication, planning, and analytical skills

· Passion for our kaupapa and a commitment to living our values: Te Aroha, Te Whakapono, Ngā Ture, Kotahitanga

As a kaupapa Māori organisation, your willingness to participate in cultural activities and develop an understanding of Āhuatanga Māori (values, culture and tikanga) will be key.

Kua whati te tai, tono mai! | Apply today!

If we’ve outlined a role that matches your capabilities and aspirations, and a workplace that appeals, apply today as applications will close as soon as we have a suitable shortlist.

A position description is available on our career’s website. For any other queries, please email jobs@twoa.ac.nz