"Manager Digital Service Partnering"

DIGITAL SERVICES DIVISION | RATOKA MATIHIKO DIGITAL STRATEGY AND PARTNERING | RAUTAKI MATIHIKO ME TUITUI

Mō Te Tīma | About Our Team

The Digital Strategy and Partnering (DSP) team is a new part of the Digital Services Division. As Manager Digital Service Partnering, you will help align digital services with the University’s Vision 2040 and Pae Tata 2030 goals while supporting a secure, reliable, and integrated digital ecosystem.

In this role, you will develop and manage the digital partnering function (one of the key functions within the DSP team), working with the Head of Digital Strategy and Partnering to build strong relationships, translate business needs into digital solutions, and ensure services meet expectations. The DSP team connects Digital Services with organisational priorities through strategic partnerships, planning, and engagement. The DSP team's scope covers Digital Strategy, Digital Partnering, Procurement and Asset Management, the Digital Internship Program, and Change Management functions.

We value collaboration, innovation, and genuine partnership between business and technology teams. Our culture emphasises diverse perspectives, strong stakeholder relationships, and continuous improvement.

Te mahi | The role

We’re seeking a partnerships builder who thrives across higher education, business, and technology. You’ll connect diverse teams, translate complex ideas into clear solutions, and balance strategic vision with practical delivery. With energy, optimism, and a commitment to inclusive perspectives, you’ll help shape innovative ways of working that make a meaningful impact on world-leading education and research – how’s that for a role!

Key things you will do in the role:

• Build strong partnerships across the University and with external collaborators to drive digital innovation.
• Act as a trusted advisor, translating business needs into clear service and technical solutions, and managing vendor relationships to ensure external partners support these goals.
• Lead service level and demand management, monitoring performance against agreed standards to ensure quality and informed investment decisions.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and guide decisions on digital initiatives.
• Diagnose and resolve service challenges, improving delivery through collaboration.
• Manage and develop a small team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide expert advice that aligns business goals with technical possibilities, supporting the Digital Strategy.

Kā pūkeka me kā wheako | Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you'll bring a strong blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and relationship-building expertise. Here are the key essentials:

• Experience in business partnering and stakeholder engagement, bridging business and technical needs.
• Proven ability in service level management, performance monitoring, and vendor oversight.
• Tertiary IT qualification (or equivalent) with significant experience in complex IT environments.
• Strong knowledge of IT service management and demand processes, translating requirements into action.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across diverse teams.
• Experience in tertiary education or large organisations; familiarity with ITIL or SFIA valued.

Pūroko | Further details

This is a full-time (37.5 hours), permanent position located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $116,406 to $126,703. Top of Range $134,425.

We offer a competitive salary, 5 weeks’ annual leave and the ability to achieve real work/life balance.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position

For further information or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Rasha Abu Safieh via the email address below.

Tono | Application

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2501812 will close on Sunday, 1 February 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Rasha Abu Safieh

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Location: About Dunedin