Operations Manager
- University of Canterbury
- New Zealand, CAN
- Oct 12, 2026
Job Description:
Te Ratonga Hākinakina | University of Canterbury Recreation and Sport
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
- Design the operating systems and service standards for Takurua
- Use data and technology to improve the user experience
- Attractive remuneration and comprehensive UC employee benefits
Make a complex new facility feel simple, safe and welcoming for everyone who walks through its doors.
Shape How Takurua Works
A major new facility needs more than great spaces. It needs thoughtful systems, capable people and consistently high standards of service.
The University of Canterbury is seeking an experienced operational leader to turn the plans for Takurua into safe, efficient and reliable day-to-day operations. From customer service and facility readiness to technology, bookings and performance information, you will create the operational foundation behind an outstanding user experience.
About the University of Canterbury
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury is a large, research-led university with more than 27,000 students and a proud history extending over 150 years.
UC’s values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga influence how its people work together, care for others and responsibly manage the resources entrusted to them.
Nearly twice the size of the current Recreation Centre, Takurua will bring together indoor and outdoor sport, fitness, group exercise, social and recovery spaces, counselling and allied health services within a modern and accessible campus environment.
Learn more about Takurua:Takurua - new student facility | UC
About the Role
Reporting to the Takurua Centre Director, the Operations Manager will lead the operational systems, customer experience and facility services that enable Takurua to perform at its best.
The role will bring together front-of-house services, bookings, maintenance coordination, facility readiness, performance reporting and operational safety. You will lead a multidisciplinary operational team while working closely with UC Facilities, digital teams, contractors and the wider Takurua leadership team.
With the existing Recreation Centre continuing to operate during the transition, you will balance continuity of current services with the design and implementation of systems and standards for the new facility.
Key Areas of Focus
- Establish efficient operating procedures, service standards and performance measures.
- Lead and develop a customer-focused operational team committed to delivering a welcoming experience.
- Oversee facility readiness, bookings, scheduling and effective use of spaces.
- Use technology, data and feedback to improve services and decision-making.
- Coordinate maintenance activity, contractor relationships and engagement with UC service teams.
- Maintain strong health and safety, risk, incident response and emergency-management practices.
About You
You may come from sport and recreation, tertiary services, major venues, hospitality, community facilities or another complex customer-focused environment.
More important than your sector background will be your ability to see the whole operation, simplify complicated processes and create an experience that works for customers and employees alike.
You will bring:
- Operational leadership experience within a busy facility or service environment.
- Experience managing contractors and service-provider relationships.
- The ability to develop systems, procedures and measurable service standards.
- Experience leading customer-focused teams and building capability.
- An inclusive and culturally responsive approach to leadership and service delivery.
- Confidence using operational data and technology to improve performance.
- Sound judgement across safety, risk, resources and competing priorities.
- A relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent recognised qualification.
You will be practical, organised and comfortable with detail, while never losing sight of the experience being created for students and other users.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is a rare opportunity to design how a major new facility will operate before its doors open.
You will have genuine influence over the systems, service culture and everyday experience that will define Takurua. You will also work alongside specialist leaders in sport, health and fitness within a team committed to creating a more connected and engaging student experience.
UC offers a 37.5-hour working week, five weeks’ annual leave for continuing staff and five additional University holidays each year.
To Apply
Bishop Associates are managing this recruitment process - do not apply via the UC vacancies website. If you wish to discuss this role further or have a confidential conversation, contact Mel Eradus at Bishop Associates on 03 265 0668.
Applications close 28 October 2026.
To apply please visit https://nz.seek.com/job/95194453
This role is based on site.
Job Details
| Reference # | 34362 |
| Posted on | 12 Oct 2026 |
| Closes on | 28 Oct 2026 23:55 |
| Location(s) | Christchurch |
| Expertise | Administration, Sports |
| Job level(s) | Experienced, Management |
| Work type(s) | Continuing (Permanent) full-time |
| More details (document) | PD_Operations Manager.pdf |
| Position description 1 | |
| Position description 2 | |
| Position description 3 | |
| Position description 4 |
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Job Description:
Te Ratonga Hākinakina | University of Canterbury Recreation and Sport
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
- Design the operating systems and service standards for Takurua
- Use data and technology to improve the user experience
- Attractive remuneration and comprehensive UC employee benefits
Make a complex new facility feel simple, safe and welcoming for everyone who walks through its doors.
Shape How Takurua Works
A major new facility needs more than great spaces. It needs thoughtful systems, capable people and consistently high standards of service.
The University of Canterbury is seeking an experienced operational leader to turn the plans for Takurua into safe, efficient and reliable day-to-day operations. From customer service and facility readiness to technology, bookings and performance information, you will create the operational foundation behind an outstanding user experience.
About the University of Canterbury
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury is a large, research-led university with more than 27,000 students and a proud history extending over 150 years.
UC’s values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga influence how its people work together, care for others and responsibly manage the resources entrusted to them.
Nearly twice the size of the current Recreation Centre, Takurua will bring together indoor and outdoor sport, fitness, group exercise, social and recovery spaces, counselling and allied health services within a modern and accessible campus environment.
Learn more about Takurua:Takurua - new student facility | UC
About the Role
Reporting to the Takurua Centre Director, the Operations Manager will lead the operational systems, customer experience and facility services that enable Takurua to perform at its best.
The role will bring together front-of-house services, bookings, maintenance coordination, facility readiness, performance reporting and operational safety. You will lead a multidisciplinary operational team while working closely with UC Facilities, digital teams, contractors and the wider Takurua leadership team.
With the existing Recreation Centre continuing to operate during the transition, you will balance continuity of current services with the design and implementation of systems and standards for the new facility.
Key Areas of Focus
- Establish efficient operating procedures, service standards and performance measures.
- Lead and develop a customer-focused operational team committed to delivering a welcoming experience.
- Oversee facility readiness, bookings, scheduling and effective use of spaces.
- Use technology, data and feedback to improve services and decision-making.
- Coordinate maintenance activity, contractor relationships and engagement with UC service teams.
- Maintain strong health and safety, risk, incident response and emergency-management practices.
About You
You may come from sport and recreation, tertiary services, major venues, hospitality, community facilities or another complex customer-focused environment.
More important than your sector background will be your ability to see the whole operation, simplify complicated processes and create an experience that works for customers and employees alike.
You will bring:
- Operational leadership experience within a busy facility or service environment.
- Experience managing contractors and service-provider relationships.
- The ability to develop systems, procedures and measurable service standards.
- Experience leading customer-focused teams and building capability.
- An inclusive and culturally responsive approach to leadership and service delivery.
- Confidence using operational data and technology to improve performance.
- Sound judgement across safety, risk, resources and competing priorities.
- A relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent recognised qualification.
You will be practical, organised and comfortable with detail, while never losing sight of the experience being created for students and other users.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is a rare opportunity to design how a major new facility will operate before its doors open.
You will have genuine influence over the systems, service culture and everyday experience that will define Takurua. You will also work alongside specialist leaders in sport, health and fitness within a team committed to creating a more connected and engaging student experience.
UC offers a 37.5-hour working week, five weeks’ annual leave for continuing staff and five additional University holidays each year.
To Apply
Bishop Associates are managing this recruitment process - do not apply via the UC vacancies website. If you wish to discuss this role further or have a confidential conversation, contact Mel Eradus at Bishop Associates on 03 265 0668.
Applications close 28 October 2026.
To apply please visit https://nz.seek.com/job/95194453
This role is based on site.
Job Details
| Reference # | 34362 |
| Posted on | 12 Oct 2026 |
| Closes on | 28 Oct 2026 23:55 |
| Location(s) | Christchurch |
| Expertise | Administration, Sports |
| Job level(s) | Experienced, Management |
| Work type(s) | Continuing (Permanent) full-time |
| More details (document) | PD_Operations Manager.pdf |
| Position description 1 | |
| Position description 2 | |
| Position description 3 | |
| Position description 4 |
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