"Strategic Organisational Change Leader"

Job Description:

• Opportunity to influence direction of significant organisational change programmes
• Flexible work to support your work life balance
• Full time, fixed term for 2 years as part of AUT’s Academic and Capital Plan, based in Auckland CBD

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 University to build a high-performing, inclusive and future-focused workforce. We lift organisational performance through workforce strategy, strong leadership practices, and a people experience that helps AUT’s strategy land. Guided by our People Plan, we build future capability by enabling people to thrive, strengthening belonging, and bringing our culture and values to life in everything we do.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

In this role, you will report to Assistant Vice-Chancellor - People & Culture and be responsible for translating enterprise-wide transformation utilising the frameworks into practical workforce transition, behavioural change, and operating-model adoption across the University as part of AUT’s Academic and Capital Plan. You will be accountable for whether people, leaders and teams can operate effectively in the new organisation.

You will

• Provide strategic organisational change leadership to support impact and adoption
• Work proactively with People and Culture and the Director Enterprise Change to ensure the change is organised and coordinated
• Engage effectively with people and culture partners and key stakeholders across the university
• Deliver successful change engagement and communication
• Ensure people and leaders have the capability required to succeed in the organisation

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 change management in large complex organisations for large scale organisational redesigns
• Experience successfully engaging and influencing senior stakeholders
• Capability in workforce planning, training needs analysis, and HR change processes.
• Understanding of industrial relations and employment law frameworks.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (link).

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 opportunities to keep you moving forward

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 criterialisted 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
• For further information: please send us an enquiry hereor call 09 921 9499.

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 10 March at 10.30pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 94689

*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week