Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity
This is an opportunity to take ownership of the University’s commercial and retail lease portfolio, leading the governance, administration and optimisation of a diverse range of leased properties, retail tenancies and commercial occupancies.
Reporting to the Associate Director - Commercial, you will play a key role in maximising portfolio performance, supporting strategic objectives, and ensuring a positive campus experience for students, staff and visitors.
Some key responsibilities include:
- Lead the management of the University’s commercial and retail lease portfolio, including leases, licences and occupancy agreements.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with landlords, tenants, operators, property managers, consultants and internal stakeholders.
- Manage lease negotiations, renewals, variations and commercial agreements, ensuring favourable outcomes and alignment with University objectives.
- Monitor portfolio performance, maintain accurate lease data, oversee critical lease events and provide commercial reporting and recommendations.
- Identify opportunities to improve commercial value, optimise portfolio performance and support long-term strategic planning.
- Ensure compliance with contractual, legislative, policy and insurance requirements across the portfolio.
- Work collaboratively across Campus Environment, Finance, Risk, Legal and operational teams to deliver effective lease governance and service outcomes.
This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range is $116,000 to $125,000 per annum depending on your skills and experience.
A full description of your duties and the role are provided in the position description linked HERE.
He kōrero mōu | About You
You are an experienced property professional with strong commercial acumen and a practical, solutions-focused approach. Comfortable operating in a complex stakeholder environment, you bring sound judgement, strong relationship management skills and the ability to balance operational delivery with strategic thinking.
- Demonstrated experience managing commercial lease portfolios, lease negotiations and contract administration.
- Proven ability to build productive relationships and influence a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical capability, with experience interpreting portfolio performance data and preparing commercial reports and recommendations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the professionalism to engage confidently across all levels of an organisation.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of accuracy.
- A proactive and self-directed working style, with a track record of exercising sound judgement and taking ownership of outcomes.
- Strong customer focus and a collaborative approach to service delivery, stakeholder engagement and problem solving.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in property, law, business or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
Desirable experience includes working within a large or complex organisation, knowledge of the New Zealand property environment, and experience identifying and implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, guided by a commitment to excellence and service to our communities. With more than 9,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 50,000 students.
Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.
We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:
- Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave
- Discounted public Transport for permanent and long-term fixed term staff
- Superannuation/KiwiSaver, matching up to 6.75%
- Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and flexible hours
- Leading, and inclusive parental leave provisions
- Career development opportunities and a range of benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships, and on‑site amenities
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday 1st November, 2026. Your application should include:
- A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
- Your updated CV.
Please note that we do not accept email applications.
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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz