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- Tasks: Lead AUT's Estates Group to create inspiring, future-ready spaces.
- Company: Join Auckland University of Technology, a socially-driven university focused on equity and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and the chance to shape the future of education.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming AUT’s built environment and impact thousands of students.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex organisations and expertise in property and facilities management.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with exceptional career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 58000 £ per year.
Lead our award-winning division and drive lasting impact on AUT’s built environment.
Strategic and tactical management – translate objectives into practical action.
Permanent, full-time position based in Auckland’s CBD.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a university of opportunity where all students with talent and potential have the chance to succeed. We are a socially-driven university with equity and excellence central to our purpose and actions, and we offer a stimulating teaching and research environment with strong connections to government, business, and industry.
AUT has recently approved a bold 10-year Academic and Capital Plan focused on transforming academic activities to support its role as Aotearoa's University of Technology. This investment will upgrade campus infrastructure and promote innovative, flexible teaching across all disciplines.
AUT’s long-term strategy, Te Kete aims to future-proof the university by integrating advanced technology into learning environments and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The Academic & Capital Plan includes expanding research facilities, modernising digital resources, and enhancing student support services to create an engaging campus experience prioritising sustainability and inclusivity.
At the heart of this transformation is AUT’s Estates Group—our award-winning, in-house property and services team. Our mission: create inspiring, future-ready spaces that leave a lasting impact.
With up to 200 AUT staff and 100 contractors on any given day delivering more than 60 major service lines, we manage the planning, development, operation, and maintenance of AUT’s 235,000+sqm property portfolio and assets valued at $1.9 billion. From property services to commercial and hospitality operations, security and emergency management we provide end-to-end solutions that underpin AUT’s mission to enrich lives through technology, learning, and discovery.
This is a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where your expertise will help define the next decade of transformation. We’re looking for an influential, innovative leader to drive AUT’s Estates Group in delivering safe, compliant, and resilient infrastructure that enables the University to achieve its strategic objectives.
Key focus areas include:
- Lead master planning, capital development and maintenance across AUT’s multi-campus portfolio.
- Collaborate with senior academic leaders to define future requirements that will guide design, construction and operations of major projects.
- Shape the future of learning by creating spaces that support hands-on, applied learning and evolving technology enriched methods.
- Ensure compliance, operational excellence and future-ready solutions in all projects.
- Champion innovation and deliver environments that inspire world-class learning and discovery.
We’re seeking a strategic, people-focused leader with the ability to navigate complexity and deliver impact. Key criteria being sought include:
- Proven senior leadership experience in large, complex organisations, with responsibility for sizeable teams and fostering a high-performance, people-focused culture.
- Broad expertise across Facilities, Security, Emergency Management, Project, Property and Construction Management, including operations, development programmes and capital works.
- Successful track record in managing complex property, project, and service portfolios.
- Strong understanding of property and commercial legal and financial frameworks, with demonstrated financial acumen.
- Emergency management and business continuity experience.
- Skilled in strategic planning, forecasting, and translating objectives into practical action.
- Ability to manage diverse senior stakeholder expectations in a collegial environment.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and uplifting cultural capability.
- Ability to analyse complex data to inform evidence-based decisions and strategic planning.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in property or services management (or related discipline).
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.
Start Date: The successful candidate would join AUT in 2026 (to be agreed).
Term: The successful candidate will secure a permanent appointment. A competitive remuneration package will be agreed, commensurate with skills and experience.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 1 February 2026 at 11.55pm.
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.
Group Director, Estates employer: The Management Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
The Management Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director, Estates
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people know you’re looking for opportunities, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AUT’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Remember, it’s not just about what you’ve done, but how it fits into their future plans!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills and experiences, the more likely you’ll impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the amazing work we’re doing at AUT.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Director, Estates
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AUT: When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for AUT shine through! Explain why this role excites you and how it aligns with your values. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to create inspiring spaces.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the key criteria listed in the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership and strategic planning abilities, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our digital-first approach.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Management Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into AUT’s Academic & Capital Plan and understand how it aligns with the role of Group Director, Estates. Familiarise yourself with their mission to create inspiring spaces and be ready to discuss how your experience can contribute to this vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a strategic, people-focused leader. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've fostered high-performance cultures in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you’ve successfully managed diverse teams in complex environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to navigate challenges in property and facilities management. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to make tough decisions or manage stakeholder expectations, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Equity and Inclusion
AUT values equity, diversity, and inclusion highly. Be sure to articulate your commitment to these principles and provide examples of how you’ve promoted inclusivity in your past roles. This will resonate well with their mission and culture.
