About Us

Ngā Tamariki Puāwai o Tāmaki | Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) has been a cornerstone of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in New Zealand since 1908. With 107 kindergartens, four KiNZ centres, five playgroups, and a dedicated support team, we are committed to nurturing young learners.

At AKA, we take a bicultural approach grounded in Te Whāriki, ensuring that tamariki and their whānau are at the heart of everything we do. We provide safe, enriching environments that foster confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning, building strong foundations for a lifetime of success.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a highly skilled ICT Operations Manager to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the ICT infrastructure and ensure that our technology supports our mission of fostering exceptional learning environments for tamariki. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you will lead the ICT team and manage the planning, implementation, and maintenance of robust ICT systems and solutions across our organisation.

This is a full-time, permanent role based at our Support Services office in Auckland CBD, with the opportunity to visit our kindergartens and centres to gain a deeper understanding of the end-user experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an ICT strategy aligned with AKA's goals.
• Manage the organisation's ICT infrastructure, ensuring security, reliability, and efficiency.
• Oversee software and hardware implementations, upgrades, and maintenance.
• Lead and mentor the ICT team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practices, including data security and privacy.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver effective ICT solutions.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement processes.
• Drive innovation by staying updated on emerging technologies and assessing their potential benefits for AKA.

About You

We are seeking a dynamic professional with a strategic mindset and hands-on expertise in ICT operations. To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• At least 7 years of experience in ICT management, with a track record of leading ICT teams and projects.
• Expertise in network management, cloud-based systems, cybersecurity, and ICT infrastructure.
• Proven experience in vendor and contract management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholder groups.
• A practical, results-focused approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with New Zealand's education sector or not-for-profit organisations (advantageous).
• A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence

Why Join Us?

Joining AKA is more than just a career move—it's an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of tamariki and their communities. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are driven by purpose, not profit, and everything we do supports the learning outcomes of tamariki.

In addition to competitive remuneration, AKA offers a supportive and collaborative environment where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged.

Applications Close: 17 January 2025, 12:00 PM (unless filled earlier).

Click "Apply" to begin your journey with AKA.

Please note our Support Office will be closed from 20 December 2024 to 6 January 2025. Applications and enquiries will be addressed upon our return.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

While no longer mandatory, AKA encourages its team members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.ICT Operations Manager