Research Operations Manager

About our team | Mo te tīma

We are seeking an experienced Research Operations Manager to lead the operational, administrative and technical components of the national Curriculum Insights and Progress Study, a large-scale research programme.

The study monitors trends in student achievement and is delivered through a partnership between the University of Otago and the New Zealand Council for Educational Research, under contract to the Ministry of Education.

The role | Te mahi

As a member of the study’s leadership team, the Research Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of this nationally significant programme. You will provide oversight across planning, systems, processes, budget and risk management, people leadership and coordination of complex operational activity, while driving excellence and continuous improvement across the study.

This role involves close engagement with senior internal and external stakeholders, including project partners and the funding body and requires confidence operating in an environment with high levels of accountability.

You will work with a highly collaborative group of academic and professional staff in a busy, dynamic, and deadline driven research environment that values teamwork and shared success.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You will bring:
• Proven leadership and operational management experience, including responsibility for large or complex programmes, budgets, people and projects.
• Strong planning, organisational and IT skills, with experience improving systems, workflows or service delivery.
• Sound judgement and confidence managing compliance, information governance and external accountability within complex environments.
• The ability to lead, motivate and support teams through changing priorities and time-bound delivery cycles.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and cultural capability grounded in respect for te ao Māori and Pasifika values.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), research funded permanent position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this position is $101,739 to $114,725 per annum, top of range $119,053 per annum.

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

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.

For more information or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Dr Jenny Ward, Project Lead via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below.

Applications quoting reference number 2600705 will close on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

Additional Information

Contact: Dr Jenny Ward Tel: 03 479 5036

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Curriculum Insights Website

Further Information: Educational Assessment Research Unit Website

Location: About Dunedin