Assessment Services Manager

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties, two large-scale research institutes and a number of professional service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced leader to join Student and Scholarly Services as our Assessment Services Manager. This pivotal role leads the University’s examination operations, ensuring high-quality, equitable and future-focused assessment services that support student success and academic excellence.

Working across a diverse portfolio that includes examinations, assessment equity, academic integrity, student discipline processes and digital assessment platforms, you will partner with academic and professional leaders to drive innovation, continuous improvement and service excellence. This is a unique opportunity to influence institutional assessment strategy while leading a high-performing team in one of New Zealand’s leading universities.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of the University’s centrally managed exam and assessment services.
• Provide strategic leadership for assessment operations, systems and technologies, including the University’s digital assessment platform.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Partner with senior academic and professional leaders to support learning and teaching priorities.
• Drive assessment transformation initiatives, service enhancements and operational excellence.
• Manage strategic projects, risk planning and business continuity activities across the portfolio.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance assessment practices and services.

This is a fulltime, permanent position. The salary range for this role is $114,400 - $140,000 depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a people-focused leader with significant experience leading operational teams within a large and complex organisation. You enjoy building relationships, influencing stakeholders and creating a strong supportive culture and environment where teams can thrive.

You will bring excellent communication and analytical skills, demonstrated experience leading change and continuous improvement initiatives, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service outcomes. An understanding of learning, assessment, equity and student-centred service delivery will enable you to make an immediate impact in this role. You'll also value te ao Māori, diversity and inclusion, and be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful outcomes for both tauira and staff.

Success in this role will require a balance of strategic thinking and strong leadership. You will lead a team of experienced professionals, navigate a complex environment and ensure University priorities are delivered through strong planning, collaboration and execution.

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• Significant leadership experience within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience leading high-volume operational services.
• Experience leading service, systems and process improvement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills at all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex data and provide strategic insights.
• Experience leading teams through transformation and change.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices and a culture that supports work-life balance
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
• 6.75% superannuation scheme

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of 25 September 2026and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

If you have any questions, please email Mel Cross via [email protected]

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications via email

Referring more broadly to “assessment services” can create tension with people thinking that the role/team is going to expand and take over more work from faculties.

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpu**iMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to**www.equity.auckland.ac.nz