Administration Team Leader

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Our Student Accommodation team provides housing for more than 4,500 students across a range of accommodation options, from first-year halls through to self-catered apartments for senior students. Our goal is to create safe, supportive and welcoming communities where students can thrive during their university journey.

We are seeking an experienced Administration Team Leader | Kaituki Whakahaere to join the team at Stuart McCutcheon House, one of the University's largest residential communities and home to more than 900 students. This is a key leadership role responsible for coordinating front-of-house operations, reception services, administration and financial processes, while ensuring excellent customer service is delivered to residents, guests and stakeholders. You will lead a team of reception staff, providing clear direction, mentoring and support to ensure high standards of service are consistently achieved.

Working closely with the Resident Manager, you will help oversee operational planning, governance and compliance activities, workload management and annual planning. You will also play an important role in supporting accommodation operations through financial administration, contractor coordination, facilities oversight and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a varied role that combines people leadership, operational coordination and stakeholder engagement within a dynamic residential environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting the administration and reception team to deliver exceptional customer service and operational support
• Coordinating administrative and financial processes, including invoicing, debt management, banking reconciliations and purchasing activities
• Supporting operational planning, governance requirements and the implementation of policies and procedures
• Monitoring facilities, maintenance requests, contractor activities and accommodation assets to ensure high service standards are maintained
• Preparing reports, proposals and operational information to support decision-making and performance monitoring
• Driving process improvements and supporting the implementation of new systems, technologies and ways of working

This is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range for this role is $72,000 to $88,000, negotiable depending on skills and experience.

A full description of your duties and the role are provided in the position description linked HERE.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an experienced administrator and people leader who enjoys creating structure, improving processes and supporting teams to deliver exceptional service. You thrive in busy environments where no two days are the same and are confident balancing operational priorities, financial administration, stakeholder relationships and team leadership.

You bring a collaborative and supportive leadership style, with experience providing clear direction, building capability and creating positive team cultures. Whether you're supporting your team through busy intake periods, coordinating contractors and suppliers, or working with students and University stakeholders, you remain organised, adaptable and focused on delivering high-quality outcomes. You enjoy identifying opportunities for improvement and are motivated by creating a positive residential experience that supports student success and wellbeing.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

• Experience leading an administration, customer service or front-of-house team within a large and complex organisation
• Proven people leadership skills, including team development, mentoring, performance management and change support
• Strong financial and operational administration experience, including invoicing, purchasing, budgeting or financial systems
• Experience preparing reports, proposals and operational documentation for senior stakeholders
• High levels of digital literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and business information systems
• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills, with a full, clean New Zealand Driver Licence required

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, guided by a commitment to excellence and service to our communities. With more than 8,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 50,000 students.

Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave
• Discounted public Transport for permanent and long-term fixed term staff
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver, matching up to 6.75%
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and flexible hours
• Leading, and inclusive parental leave provisions
• Career development opportunities and a range of benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships, and on‑site amenities

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday, 15th November 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz