"Events Manager - Venues"

Events Manager - Venues

Hamilton, New Zealand

Job Description

Strategic event leadership + diverse portfolio

Campus-based role at our Hamilton site

Collaborative team environment

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Events Manager – Venues to lead the delivery and growth of a diverse range of events in our premier venues.

Reporting to the Director, Development & Event Services and based at our Hamilton campus, this role sits within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and plays a pivotal role in shaping exceptional event experiences across the University. You will lead a small team and oversee the successful planning and execution of a broad range of activities, including University ceremonies, internal events, external conferences and community engagements in our venues

This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership position. You will ensure the effective utilisation of our venues, maintain high service standards, build strong internal and external relationships, and contribute to the continued development of a vibrant and professional event services function at the university.

Salary will be in the range of $85,279 to $100,214 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 Shaun van Praagh, Director Development & Event Services, shaun.vanpraagh@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 events professional with proven leadership capability and a strong track record in delivering complex, high-quality events.

You will bring:

Significant experience in venue or event management, ideally within a multi-stakeholder environment

Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop a small team

Strong operational planning and organisational skills

Experience managing budgets and delivering against financial targets

Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders, suppliers and external clients

A solutions-focused approach with sound judgement and attention to detail

You thrive in a dynamic environment, balancing strategic oversight with practical delivery, and are committed to creating exceptional event experiences that enhance reputation and engagement.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The Development & Event Services Division sits within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor (OVC), the Chief Executive Office of the University. 

The Division leads, and has responsibility for, a range of services, facilities and business units which support university operations for staff, students, alumni and the wider community, comprising the following teams:

Events and Conferencing – All university events, both internal and external, across all campuses.

Venues – The Pā and the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts

Development and Alumni Relations – University Foundation, Engagement with alumni, benefactors, and external stakeholders.

Sport & Wellbeing – UniRec, Social Sport Leagues, Esports, Wellbeing Hub, Swimming Pool, Tauranga Sport & Rec.

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 March 8, 2026

Requisition number: 1003417

Apply Now

Job Info

Job Identification 1003417

Job Category Central Administration

Posting Date 02/22/2026, 10:35 PM

Apply Before 03/08/2026, 10:59 AM

Job Schedule Full time

Locations Hillcrest Campus