Contract Manager - University of Canterbury, Christchurch

Compass Group

Contract Manager - University of Canterbury

  • Posted 2w ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Christchurch


Job Description

  • Lead five residential halls in a high-profile university setting
  • Drive exceptional student experiences and service excellence
  • Senior leadership role with strong client and commercial focus


He angitūtanga / The opportunity:


We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Contract Manager to lead the delivery of residential, catering, and support services across five residential halls at the University of Canterbury. Working closely with UniLodge leadership teams, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring safe, compliant, financially sustainable, and resident-focused operations while delivering exceptional service outcomes across the portfolio.


Ko o kawenga / Your responsibilities:


  • Lead safe, efficient, and consistent operations across five residential halls.
  • Build strong partnerships with UniLodge and hall leadership teams to achieve contractual outcomes.
  • Drive financial performance through effective budget, labour, and cost management.
  • Lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams while building leadership capability.
  • Ensure excellence in health, safety, compliance, governance, and resident experience.


He kōrero mōu / About you:


  • Proven experience in a senior leadership or contract management role.
  • Strong people leadership skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
  • Commercially astute with experience managing budgets and operational performance.
  • Commitment to health, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.


Nga painga / Benefits & Perks:


  • Competitive Pay & Bonuses: Fair pay aligned with market standards, plus annual performance bonuses.
  • Leadership Opportunity: A key role in an established sector, with the chance to lead and shape a high-performing team.
  • Career Development: Access to NZQA qualifications, apprenticeships, and formal career pathways within a global organisation.
  • Recognition & Support: Celebrate success through Star Awards, Service Awards, and a supportive, collaborative work environment.
  • Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programmes and a strong focus on health and safety.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy savings on health insurance, banking, gyms, hotels, optometry, and more.
  • Inclusive Culture: We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, because together, we are better.


👉 Visit our Benefits page for the full list of what we offer.


Mo matou / About us:


  • We are New Zealand's leading and largest food and support services provider across multiple industries.
  • Our sub-brands , Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, ESS and Rapport manage these industry sectors.
  • We specialise in turning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experiential moments for our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from being GOOD to GREAT .
  • Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen!
  • Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH, and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.
  • We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We also prioritise sustainability in everything we do, ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all.


👉 Successful candidates must pass pre-employment checks.

👉 Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.


Recruitment for this role will actively commence from the date of advertising. The closing date is reliant on the appointment of the successful applicant.


Don't miss out on this unique opportunity - Click 'Apply' Now!  For any recruitment queries please contact the Compass Group Recruitment team at recruitment@compass-group.co.nz


Creating meaningful and lasting connections with every experience.

Position Code: M61


Desired Hard Skills

  • Budget Management
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Contract Management
  • Health and Safety Compliance
  • Operational Performance

Desired Soft Skills

  • Team Development
  • Commercial Acumen
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Leadership
  • Relationship Building

Additional Compensation

  • Performance Bonus

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • 🧕 Inclusive Workspace
  • 🩺 Health Insurance
  • 📈 Professional Development
  • 🏎 Competitive Salary
  • 🏆 Performance Bonus
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer

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