Research Operations Manager at University of Otago

Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Jul, 26

Salary

119053.0

Posted On

22 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Operational management, Leadership, Project management, Budget management, Risk management, Strategic planning, Stakeholder engagement, IT skills, Compliance management, Information governance, Process improvement, Team motivation, Communication, Organizational skills

Industry

Research Services

Description

__________ EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT RESEARCH UNIT (EARU) COLLEGE OF EDUCATION / TE KURA AKAU TAITOKA 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), 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: Department Website Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email Location: About Dunedin

Responsibilities

The Research Operations Manager will lead the operational, administrative, and technical components of a large-scale national research programme. This includes overseeing planning, systems, budgets, and risk management while coordinating complex activities with internal and external stakeholders.