Associate Director, Change and Improvement

Job Description:

Drive strategic change, improve services, and lead transformation that enhances the student experience across the University.

• Lead work with broad institutional impact

• Embed new ways of working across the university

• Shape how the role and team evolves

The University of Waikato is undertaking a significant programme of work to create a more connected, data-informed and student-centred service environment. We are seeking an experienced change and improvement leader to help shape and embed new ways of working across the University.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

Based within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic portfolio, you will play a key role in helping shape a more connected, responsive and student-centred experience across the University. As Associate Director, Change & Improvement, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Student Support Programme and other priority transformation initiatives that improve how services, systems and teams work together to support student success.

This is a hands-on role that combines programme management, change practice, business improvement and people leadership. Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across the University, you will help design and deliver sustainable change that improves services, strengthens operational effectiveness and enhances the experience of students.

Leading a team of change and improvement specialists, you will help ensure change is delivered in a consistent, practical and people-focused way, building organisational capability while supporting the successful adoption of new ways of working.

While the purpose of the role is clear, there is genuine scope for the successful candidate to help shape how it evolves in practice. Bringing your expertise, you can influence direction and make the role your own while contributing to the success of the University’s students.

Salary will be based on the skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Tricia Finn, Director Performance & Enablement, [email protected]. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You’re an experienced change and improvement leader who is equally comfortable influencing at a senior level and working alongside teams to solve complex delivery challenges. You have experience leading teams, setting the standards and methods the portfolio works to, and guiding complex initiatives from current-state analysis through to embedded, sustainable change.

Working closely with the Director, Performance & Enablement and senior leaders across the University, you’ll enjoy the challenge of shaping future-state operating models, driving simplification and digital enablement. You’ll bring demonstrated experience in ensuring new ways of working are genuinely adopted and deliver measurable benefits.

To be successful, you’ll bring:

• A postgraduate qualification and relevant experience, or a relevant degree with extensive leadership experience

• Extensive experience in large-scale business improvement, service design or business transformation

• Demonstrated leadership of change management in complex organisations

• Experience leading teams and building capability

• Strong strategic thinking and programme-level planning, with advanced stakeholder engagement and influencing skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and

• A demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori, with the ability to apply this in leadership, decision-making and service delivery.

Experience in the tertiary education or public sector, knowledge of the student lifecycle, and familiarity with CRM or digital workflow systems would 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 mātou? – Who are we?

Performance & Enablement sits within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio, which brings together academic leadership and professional services to support students from admission through to graduation. The Change & Improvement function plays a central role in the portfolio’s transformation programme, making sure new services, operating models and systems are well designed, successfully delivered and embedded across the University. It is a function with broad impact on how the student experience is shaped and how the University works.

He aha ngā 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.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Friday 7 August 2026 at 5pm

Requisition number: 1003799