"Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Partnering"

Job Description:

• Lead and shape recruitment strategy for a large, values-led university.
• Build modern, data-driven and equitable recruitment practices that strengthen AUT’s reputation as an employer of choice.
• Permanent, full-time role based at AUT's City Campus

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.  

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.  

People and Culture is a strategic enabler of AUT’s mission, partnering across the organisation to support a high-performing, inclusive and future-focused workforce. Recruitment at AUT plays a critical role in enabling the University’s purpose and performance. We work in partnership with leaders to attract, assess and appoint people who will thrive in a values-led, future-focused university, balancing academic excellence with equity, integrity and care.   

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi  

This is a pivotal opportunity to lead and evolve AUT’s talent acquisition function. As Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Partnering, you will shape how AUT attracts and secures critical academic and professional capability, while ensuring recruitment delivery is consistent, trusted and high-quality. Working closely with senior leaders and HR Business Partners, the role blends strategic insight with operational leadership — strengthening recruitment practice, lifting manager capability, and positioning AUT strongly in the talent market. 

About you | Ko wai koe  

If you’re the kind of person who isn’t afraid to try new things, explore bold ideas and inject real energy and passion into the entire university experience, you’ll fit right in.  

To be successful in this role, you will have:  

• Significant experience leading a recruitment or talent acquisition function in a complex, high-volume environment, with a strong understanding of both recruiter-led and manager-led hiring models.
• Proven ability to partner with senior leaders, using workforce insight, labour-market knowledge and data to inform recruitment decisions and priorities.
• Demonstrated experience embedding equitable, values-led recruitment practices, ideally within a public sector, tertiary or other purpose-driven organisation.
• A degree in business, management, human resources or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do every day.  

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion-focused initiatives is highly desirable.  

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou  

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career.  

We offer:  

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
• The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff.
• Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving forward.
• Free gym membership.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono  

Along with your CV, please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.  

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.  

Further Information | Pārongo Anō  

Start Date: ASAP, agreed with the successful candidate. 

For further information: For enquiries, please contact Dawn Shanta – Director HR Business Partnering, Remuneration and Recruitment – dawn.shanta@aut.ac.nz 

Closing Date | Te rā aukati:  3 March 2026 at 5 pm 

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 94687

*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week  

*At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.*

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

*With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.*