Business Improvement & Change Specialist

Hamilton, New Zealand

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Job Description

• Lead change delivery, stakeholder facilitation, process and operating model redesign within a significant programme of work
• Drive adoption of new ways of working through structured change management and engagement
• Shape future-state service models, real student impact

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 has a strong emphasis on change leadership and facilitation, guiding stakeholders through the transition from current-state processes to future-state operating models.

You will lead structured process redesign and change activities including stakeholder engagement, impact assessments, facilitation workshops, and implementation planning to support the adoption of new service models and ways of working across the University.

While business analysis and process mapping remain important components of the role, the primary focus is on developing and embedding sustainable change outcomes and ensuring staff are supported through transformation.

Working closely with stakeholders across the University, the Specialist develops change and implementation plans and supports leaders and staff through the transition to new ways of working.

Salary will be in the range of $115,904 to $127,449 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. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Tricia Finn, Programme Manager, tricia.finn@waikato.ac.nz. 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 change and business improvement professional with a strong track record in delivering organisational change, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and supporting operating model or service redesign initiatives.

You bring demonstrated experience applying structured change methodologies (e.g., change frameworks, impact assessments, adoption planning), alongside strong facilitation skills to guide diverse stakeholder groups through complex transformation work.

You also have strong business analysis capability, including process mapping and requirements gathering, and are confident translating operational challenges into practical and implementable solutions.

You are comfortable leading workshops, influencing stakeholders, and working across organisational boundaries to support the adoption of new ways of working.

Collaborative, pragmatic, and outcomes-focused, you are committed to continuous improvement and service excellence.

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 Sunday March 15, 2026

Requisition number: 1003281

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Job Info

• Job Identification 1003281
• Job Category Communications and Marketing
• Posting Date 02/26/2026, 11:42 PM
• Apply Before 03/15/2026, 10:59 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Hillcrest Campus