Woolston Campus, Christchurch
Permanent, full-time
Mō Tēnei Tūranga Mahi - About the role
As a Portfolio Manager you will provide leadership to a team of dedicated academic staff delivering vocational education across Canterbury. A key focus of the role is leading and supporting kaimahi to deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences.
Working closely with the Dean of Faculty - Applied Technology and the wider faculty leadership team, you will provide academic and operational leadership across programme delivery, quality assurance, regulatory requirements, staff support and learner success.
You will support high-quality teaching and learning, strengthen programme quality and compliance, and lead continuous improvement so the portfolio remains relevant, sustainable and responsive to workforce needs. Your leadership will help ensure graduates are work-ready, highly skilled and prepared for changing technologies and industry practices.
Based primarily at our Woolston campus, this role has responsibility for Automotive, Engineering and Plumbing programme delivery across Canterbury, including in Timaru.
The portfolio includes pre-trade, apprenticeship and industry training programmes in:
- Automotive engineering, collision repair and refinishing
- Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying
- Mechanical engineering and engineering fabrication
Many of our learners are beginning their trade careers, including school leavers and younger learners entering vocational education for the first time. We're looking for someone who is passionate about helping young people succeed, understands the impact education can have on their future, and can foster a supportive, engaging learning environment.
Ngā Pūkenga Me Ngā Wheako - Skills and experience
You'll be a confident, experienced people leader with sound judgement, strong relationship skills and a clear commitment to high-quality outcomes for ākonga.
You will bring:
- A tertiary qualification at degree level or equivalent knowledge gained through experience
- A current full New Zealand driver licence
- Demonstrated success leading, developing and motivating teams to achieve high performance, continuous improvement and positive outcomes
- A solid academic, educational, or industry background that helps you support kaimahi as they design courses and programmes for future learners
- A passion for supporting youth and younger ākonga to succeed in education
- Confidence planning, budgeting, negotiating, and managing resources so that goals and outcomes are met
- Strong time management and prioritisation skills Strength in navigating administration processes and using management information systems in complex environments
- Commitment to Ara's values and principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Excellent report writing skills, with the ability to adjust your writing for different audiences
The following would be beneficial, but are not essential:
- A qualification or experience in education or adult teaching
- Practical experience and/or a qualification in a trades-related field
- An understanding of the relevant industries and established industry connections
Mō Mātou - About us
Ara Institute of Canterbury is the South Island's largest provider of tertiary vocational education and home to one of New Zealand's premier trades training environments.
At Woolston campus, you'll work in modern, industry-standard workshops built for carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and more.
Our tutors bring deep industry experience, and students work on real projects, including constructing houses that are sold and moved.
We offer tangible benefits: income protection for permanent kaimahi over 15 hours, fee discounts on Ara courses for staff, professional development leave and funding, generous leave provisions and an annual Christmas closedown to enjoy time with whanau and friends.
Free parking and on-site food options round out the picture.
Guided by our values Hono | Connect, Hihiri | Inspire and Aroha | Respect, we're committed to equity, inclusion and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
If you're looking for work that matters, Ara could be your next chapter.
Tono Ināianei - Apply now
We accept applications via our online application system. For any other queries, please email Recruitment@Ara.ac.nz
To view a copy of the position description, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/4zcrp2mu
Rā Katinga - Applications close on 11:55pm, Sunday, 11 October 2026.