Facilities & Operations Manager

Facilities & Operations Manager
Location: AIS and UPIC campuses, Auckland
Full-time | Permanent | On-site
Please note: You will primarily work across the AIS and UPIC campuses in Auckland, with your time split between the two locations. Occasional travel to UPIC’s Wellington campus will also be required.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Facilities & Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day campus operations, facilities management, and health and safety across Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) and UP International College (UPIC).
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead a team of Campus Operations Coordinators, ensuring consistent service and facilities standards across sites. Your responsibilities will span maintenance and improvement projects, building compliance, contractor management, budgets and emergency preparedness.
Working closely with student services, pastoral care, academic colleagues and UP Education’s Group Facilities team, you will ensure our campuses support student wellbeing and a positive learning experience. This is a hands-on leadership role with the opportunity to develop your team, strengthen systems and drive practical improvements.
Responsibilities include:
Lead, coach and develop Campus Operations Coordinators, setting clear priorities and consistent service standards.
Oversee facilities maintenance, repairs and improvement projects, ensuring campuses are well presented and operationally ready.
Manage facilities budgets, capital expenditure planning, procurement and invoice approvals.
Manage relationships with landlords, contractors and suppliers, including negotiating agreements and monitoring performance.
Maintain building compliance and fire safety processes, including Building Warrants of Fitness, compliance schedules and evacuation arrangements.
Lead health and safety risk management, audits, incident investigations and corrective actions.
Maintain emergency preparedness and business continuity plans, supported by training, inductions and regular rehearsals.
Oversee security and access systems, maintain accurate records, and report on facilities performance, risks and compliance.
Coordinate facility-level safety for UPIC’s Auckland science laboratories, working with specialist staff on storage, access, signage and emergency arrangements.
Support smooth day-to-day campus services, including reception, administrative support and operational readiness for orientations and events.
You will work across the AIS and UPIC campuses in Auckland, with occasional travel to UPIC’s Wellington campus. The role may also require you to respond outside normal business hours to genuine facilities or health and safety emergencies.
About you
You are a practical, approachable leader who can balance day-to-day operational demands with longer-term planning. You take ownership, build effective working relationships and remain calm when urgent issues arise.
We welcome applicants from a range of sectors who bring relevant facilities and operational leadership experience. Previous experience in education is advantageous but not required.
You will bring:
Experience in facilities management, site operations or a relevant health and safety leadership role.
Experience leading and developing teams, ideally across multiple locations.
Working knowledge of New Zealand health and safety requirements, building compliance and fire safety processes.
Experience managing contractors, suppliers, operational budgets and capital expenditure.
Sound judgement in risk assessment, incident management and emergency response.
Clear communication skills and confidence working with staff, contractors, regulators and senior leaders.
Cultural awareness and an understanding of the care considerations relevant to diverse student communities, including international learners and students under 18.
A relevant tertiary qualification in facilities management, health and safety, property, engineering, business or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
A relevant health and safety qualification or certification would be preferred. You will also hold a current First Aid certificate or be willing to obtain one.
An understanding of hazardous substance requirements for facilities containing science laboratories will help you coordinate effectively with specialist staff.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No