Senior Architect – Property and Campus Development - The University of Otago

The University of Otago | Ōtepoti, Dunedin | Date Listed: 29/07/2025

The role/Te mahi

We are seeking an inspiring, forward-thinking architect to guide university-wide design initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate closely with top design consultants to craft innovative, high-impact solutions that elevate both the campus environment and the experience of our community. You will inspire innovation by leading a high-performing team to deliver forward-thinking, strategically aligned projects that help shape the future of our campuses. Driving impact through active involvement in campus planning, property optimisation, and long-term asset strategy initiatives will be central to your role. As a champion of alignment, you will ensure that every project reflects and advances the university’s strategic vision and long-term objectives. With a portfolio of exciting new projects on the horizon, this is a rare opportunity to apply your architectural expertise and visionary approach to shape meaningful, lasting spaces. In addition, you will:

• Serve as a trusted advisor on policy and regulatory frameworks, championing best practices and interpreting legislative impacts on architectural design and project delivery.
• Foster collaboration by cultivating strong, interdisciplinary relationships with internal teams, external consultants, and stakeholders to drive cohesive design outcomes.
• Lead with precision and accountability, managing project budgets, schedules, and compliance to ensure timely, efficient, and quality-driven delivery.


Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for a qualified architect with professional membership and a proven history of delivering complex, high-value projects—preferably within universities, the public sector, or large-scale estate portfolios. Your expertise should encompass new construction, refurbishments, and fit outs across a diverse range of building types.
This consultative role demands experienced leadership, strong people skills, and the ability to confidently manage complex stakeholder relationships. Success will come from your capacity to balance strategic vision with firsthand project delivery, ensuring outcomes that align with broader institutional goals.

Other key skills include:

• Strong commercial acumen, political awareness, and customer service focus
• Experienced in business case development, including non-financial analysis and value assessment.
• Excellent written and verbal communicator; able to influence and inspire.
• Expert in high-quality design and construction documentation across diverse projects
• In-depth knowledge of building construction, detailing, and technical standards
• Advanced design skills with strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving
• Experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) highly regarded.
• Dedication to working in a culturally safe and respectful manner and demonstrated understanding and appreciation of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and Pasifika values.

While based primarily at the main campus in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, there will be a requirement to occasionally travel to other University campuses across Aotearoa.


About our team/Mō te tīma

The Property and Campus Development team supports the ongoing academic mission of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka by providing the best facilities, services, and physical environment in which staff, students and the public can learn, teach, live, and play. Within Campus Development, we lead the vision and execution of transformative building redevelopments and new construction projects. We provide forward-thinking strategic planning, establish impactful facility and design standards, and develop long-term capital plans that shape the future of our campuses. Sustainability, open communication, and active community engagement are at the core of everything we build and achieve together.


Further details/Pūroko

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) role, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $129,355 to $136,366 with the top of range $143,378.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.

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.


Application/Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please copy and paste the link below into your web browser:

https://otago.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=2500867


Applications quoting reference number 2500867 will close Sunday, 24 August 2025

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

 

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To apply for this position please email or send your CV to:

Name	Gordon Roy
Email	gordon.roy@otago.ac.nz
Phone	020 111 3009