"Business Improvement & Change Specialist"

Job Description:

• Lead process design and change management activities within a significant programme of work
• Shape future-state service models with real student impact
• Drive meaningful change in a complex, collaborative environment

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

The Business Improvement & Change Specialist plays a key role in delivering the Student Support Programme, which is redesigning the University’s student support service model to improve consistency, clarity, and effectiveness across student-facing functions. This role leads business improvement analysis and service design, defining current-state processes and shaping future-state operating models that enhance how support is delivered to students.

Working closely with stakeholders across the University, the Specialist develops change and implementation plans and supports staff through the transition to new ways of working. With a strong focus on collaboration and practical delivery, this role helps ensure improvements are successfully embedded and deliver meaningful, student-centred outcomes.

Salary will be in the range of $112,801 - $124,038 per year based on 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. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an experienced business improvement and change professional with a strong track record in service design, business analysis, and structured change management. You bring excellent process mapping, analytical, communication and facilitation skills, and are confident working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments to translate operational challenges into practical, implementable solutions. You communicate clearly, engage effectively with diverse groups, and are comfortable navigating ambiguity as services are redesigned and improved.

Collaborative, pragmatic, and outcomes-focused, you are committed to continuous improvement and service excellence. You demonstrate cultural awareness and responsiveness, with a genuine commitment to equity and to the University’s partnership with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and an understanding of Māori and Pacific perspectives. With professionalism, integrity, and sound judgement, you uphold the University’s values and contribute positively to a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

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?

The Student Support Programme was established to build a Service Excellence Framework that provides a cohesive, University-wide approach to designing and delivering a more consistent, equitable and student-centred support environment. As a result, a programme of business improvement initiatives has been identified to move the University toward a more connected, data-informed and student-centred future.

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 Monday 2nd February 2026 Requisition number: 1003281