Facilities Manager
Mō te Pakihi | About the Company:
Manaaki Whenua is New Zealand's Crown Research Institute (CRI) for our land and environment. We are responsible for supporting New Zealand to develop a sustainable relationship with our land, through the delivery of exceptional science across a wide range of disciplines.
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
The purpose of this role is to support the business by providing effective management of the site facilities and infrastructure at Tamaki in alignment with site operations plans and regulatory requirements. You will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our complex site, including acting as a key liaison with our employees, tenants, visitors and contractors. This role is crucial in ensuring process implementation and operational effectiveness.
In addition to facilities management experience, the ideal candidate should possess a hands-on approach to site operations. This involves being actively engaged in day-to-day tasks, understanding the intricacies of the operations, and being ready to assist wherever needed. Moreover, the candidate should demonstrate a willingness to step up and take charge when the Site Operations Manager is unavailable.
This position is permanent/full time, reports to the Site Operations Manager, and is based at our Auckland (Tamaki) site in St Johns.
Ō pūmanawa | About you
You will be a seasoned facilities professional with hands-on experience. You will assist the Site Operations Manager with strategic oversight and continuous improvement
You will thrive in a complex environment, running day-to-day operations to keep the site running effectively for our employees, visitors, stakeholders and tenants, supported by exceptionally capable site administrators, allowing the site manager to dedicate their time to achieving site-wide objectives, confident that day-to-day operations are in capable hands.
To ensure your success in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
- Experience in a similar Facilities Management role, with extensive operational and contractor management experience.
- Experience in driving operational activities to ensure quality is achieved, work is completed to schedule, and contractors are effectively deployed to improve productivity and manage costs.
- Current working knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act and proven commitment to Health & Safety.
- A sound understanding and working knowledge of technical maintenance requirements as well as relevant legal and compliance frameworks in New Zealand relating to facilities management. A working knowledge of building systems e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc. would be ideal.
- The ability to develop and maintain solid working relationships with employees, tenants, visitors and contractors. You will have a track record in fostering positive, collaborative relationships to ensure constructive interactions.
- A practical and innovative mindset, with the ability to quickly identify issues and implement solutions.
- Strong communicator who is able to work and achieve autonomously and as part of a team.
- Able to adjust to changing circumstances and handle unexpected challenges.
- Consistent and dependable in fulfilling responsibilities and supporting the team
- Intermediate level of computer literacy including MS Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Experience leading others through direct management is welcomed, as well as a willingness to be hands-on and to step up.
- Must hold a current full driver's license.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
As an employee of Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, you will work with passionate and talented people and enjoy supportive employee benefits such as an annual leave entitlement of 4 weeks and 4 days, generous sick leave, paid parental leave, 3 paid Manaaki Whenua days between Christmas and New Year, as well as income maintenance and life insurance benefits and flexible working options. You will also have the opportunity for personal growth and career development.
Manaaki Whenua embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we celebrate and respect diversity in all its forms including ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. We also welcome and support neurodiverse individuals and recognise the value of different ways of thinking.
Tono Mai | Apply Now!
Enquiries about the position may be directed to Grant Marvin, marving@landcareresearch.co.nz. For further details about Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, watch this short clip: Our Land, Our Future
And visit our website: Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research
Applications close on Monday 1 September 2025
at 9am NZT
On 23 January 2025 the Government announced plans for the future of the New Zealand science system, including the creation of new Public Research Organisations.
One of these organisations will be focused on the bioeconomy, bringing Manaaki Whenua together with Plant & Food Research, Scion and AgResearch. Our work, driving innovation in the sustainable management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources, is integral to the future success of New Zealand's bioeconomy.
While it is known we will transition to the new structure during 2025 and into 2026, we do not have full clarity on the timings at this stage, but we are committed to keeping our people informed as we gain more information. We appreciate this is an unusual situation as you consider employment with us and we encourage you to review information about the changes on the MBIE website.