Event and Operations Managers – Conferencing and Faculties

This position is currently being advertised internally and only open to applications from current staff. Please do not forward this advert to anyone outside of the organisation as external applicants will not be considered. Should the position not be filled internally, it may be advertised publicly at a later date.  

BAND: G

Please refer to the remuneration framework for more information about the band and salary range for this role.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are recruiting two experienced Event and Operations Managers to lead distinct portfolios within Event Services: Event and Operations Manager (Conferencing) and Event and Operations Manager (Faculties). Both roles provide operational leadership, oversee complex event programmes, and lead teams of experienced event professionals.

The Conferencing portfolio is responsible for internal and external conferences, as well as other approved external business events operating on campus. Delivering more than 50 conferences each year, the portfolio supports events ranging from intimate meetings to full-scale international conferences of more than 1,000 delegates. You will lead a team of up to seven Event and Conference Planners, oversee the assignment and delegation of events, and work closely with the Relationship Manager who secures international conference bids well into the future.

The Faculties portfolio manages events and stakeholder relationships associated with annual calendars of activity supporting the strategies of all faculties across the University of Auckland. You will lead a team of up to eight direct reports, ensuring events are effectively assigned, planned and delivered while building trusted relationships with faculty stakeholders across a large and complex organisation.

Both positions report to the Event Services Manager and require confident people leadership, sound operational judgement, and the ability to balance strategic stakeholder management with detailed event delivery. If you are a senior events leader who enjoys developing teams, improving ways of working and delivering complex programmes in a busy environment, we would love to hear from you.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and develop a team of event professionals, providing coaching, workload management, and performance leadership to ensure successful delivery across the portfolio
• Oversee the planning and delivery of complex, high-profile events and conferences, ensuring objectives, budgets, timelines, and quality standards are achieved
• Manage the allocation of events and resources, monitoring workloads and operational demand to ensure efficient and effective service delivery
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and resolving complex service delivery issues
• Ensure events are delivered safely, within budget, and in compliance with relevant policies, regulations, and health and safety requirements
• Drive continuous improvement across event operations, implementing best practice processes, enhancing customer experience, and supporting strategic objectives.

Both roles are permanent, full-time positions (37.5 hours per week).

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

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our ideal candidates will bring extensive experience delivering complex events or conferences, along with proven people leadership and operational management capability. Experience working within a university or another large, complex organisation would be advantageous. You will be able to oversee multiple projects, competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining a professional and pragmatic approach. These roles will suit confident and resilient leaders who are passionate about team development, take a proactive approach and thrive in a busy environment. An understanding of tikanga and kawa for events would be advantageous.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

• Proven track record at developing and influencing strategic relationships with key stakeholders
• Extensive experience planning and delivering complex events or conferences of varying scale, with the ability to oversee multiple concurrent programmes from initial planning through to successful delivery
• Strong financial acumen with proven experience managing multiple complex budgets, including forecasting, cost control, and accurate financial reporting across concurrent programmes
• Digitally capable including virtual and hybrid event delivery
• Strong Event Management software / technical skills (relevant to role)
• Exemplary written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Proven people management and leadership capability, including experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams
• Knowledge of risk management frameworks, and Health and Safety event best practice

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 6,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 47,000 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, 25 October 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.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Stephanie Szmurlo, Events Services Manager at s.szmurlo@auckland.ac.nz