Head of School/Dean of Business

Job Description:

• Lead one of New Zealand's largest and internationally recognised Businesss Schools.
• Shape the future of business education through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.
• Contribute to a newly merged faculty at a pivotal moment of opportunity and change.
• 5-year term as Head of School/Dean of Business (renewable by mutual agreement).

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's newest university and one of its most distinctive. Centred on students and grounded in knowledge that works, AUT is 5-star rated by QS, with more than 27,000 students and 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. It's a place of real opportunity, where the values of Pono, Tika and Aroha shape how talented, progressive people work together – and you'll feel that in the culture, in the collaboration and in the difference the work makes for students, communities and the world.

Our community is stronger because of the role Te Tiriti plays in how we operate, and because Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership and contribution are central to who we are. 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. 

AUT's Business School

As one of New Zealand's largest and internationally recognised business schools, AUT Business School combines academic excellence with real-world impact. Supported by an engaged academic community and growing research capability, the School delivers innovative education, influential research and strong connections with industry, government and communities. With dual AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, and a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, the School is well-positioned to further enhance its national and international reputation.With over 100 FTE academic staff and over $50M operating income, a portfolio of research entities and high levels of staff engagement, the School educates over 3,200 students (EFTS) and combines scale, reputation and impact with opportunities for further international growth.

For more information on this role and AUT, please visit the online candidate guide HERE.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi 

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of New Zealand's largest internationally accredited Business Schools at a pivotal point in its evolution. The role also offers the opportunity to help shape a newly merged faculty, building strong interdisciplinary connections while advancing the School's distinctive identity and ambitions. The incoming Head of School/Dean of Business will work with heads of department, research entity leaders and professional staff colleagues, building on strong foundations including dual AACSB and EQUIS accreditation. 

The role requires an experienced academic leader who can navigate an evolving higher education landscape and provide confident leadership in a large, complex and highly visible Business School. As a member of the Executive (Faculty) Dean's Leadership Team, you will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership of the Business School and contribute to overall faculty direction and decisions.

Key focus areas include:

• Shape the future of the Business School, strengthening its reputation, impact and contribution across the University.
• Provide outstanding academic, operational and people leadership, leading colleagues while building a high-performing culture and developing future leaders.
• Drive excellence in teaching, research and engagement, advancing internationalisation and supporting Māori and Pacific success through AUT's Te Tiriti commitments and aspirations for Mātauranga Māori.
• Grow research quality, impact and external funding, translating knowledge into meaningful outcomes for industry, communities and society.
• Build strategic partnerships with industry, alumni, professional bodies, government and community stakeholders.
• Lead transformational change while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing AUT's strategic ambitions as a leading University of Technology.

About you | Ko wai koe

You'll 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 awareness and respect when engaging with culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity or inclusion-focused initiatives is highly desirable.

Applicants should have the following characteristics:

1. A respected academic leader, ideally at Professor level, with the credibility and strategic capability to lead a large and complex Business School.
2. Significant people leadership and direct staff management experience, including leading large academic units or teams, developing others and fostering high-performing cultures.
3. A strong track record in teaching, research and engagement, with a commitment to internationalisation, Māori and Pacific success and AUT's Te Tiriti commitments.
4. Demonstrated success growing research quality, impact and external funding, including through interdisciplinary collaboration.
5. Well-developed external engagement capabilities, with the ability to build strategic partnerships across industry, professional, government and community sectors.
6. Proven strategic and change leadership experience, with the ability to navigate complexity and advance organisational priorities.
7. Experience with AACSB and EQUIS accreditation processes is highly desirable.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono  

Please submit the following via AUT’s careers site: 

1. A cover letter detailing why this unique role and AUT appeal to you, and what impact and contribution you believe you could make.
2. A statement addressing how your experience aligns with the key characteristics above.
3. Your full CV (including a comprehensive publication list, research funding/grant acquisitions) and details of the scale, scope and impact of leadership roles held. 

Further Information: 

• Start Date: Early-mid 2027 (to be agreed). 
• Term:   The successful candidate will secure a 5-year term, renewable by mutual agreement. 
• Salary: NZD $180,000 - $245,000 per annum. Inclusive of a Head of School allowance and aligned with the appropriate step in AUT's academic pay scales (Professor or Associate Professor).
• For enquiries or a confidential conversation: Contact Mike Wood: AUT Executive Recruitment Partner – [email protected].    

Advertising closes:  Sunday 1 November at 11.55pm NZST

Timings: Shortlisting - Mid November; Interviews - Late November/early December. 

Reference: 96926.

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. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.