Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Applications Lead

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We’re seeking a proactive and solutions-focused professional to lead the ongoing business of the University’s Student Placement Platform (SONIA). In this pivotal role, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure our placement systems and processes run seamlessly and efficiently.

Rather than a technical role, the focus of this position is on process improvement, training, data integrity and compliance. You’ll drive continuous improvement across business processes, champion data integrity and compliance, and deliver insightful reporting to support evidence-based decision-making.

A key part of your work will be empowering others by delivering comprehensive training, mentoring colleagues, and promoting best practice across the University to enhance our student placement experience.

If you’re passionate about system optimisation, stakeholder engagement, and creating streamlined, high-impact processes that make a difference for students and staff alike, this is an opportunity to truly shape the way we connect learning with the real world.

Salary will be in the range of $85,279 to $97,532 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Gail Hutcheson, Project Lead, All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You’re an organised and proactive professional who thrives on improving processes and ensuring data integrity and compliance. With a tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience), you bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to turn data into meaningful insights.

You’re a confident communicator who builds strong relationships across teams and with external partners, and you take pride in delivering high-quality work to tight deadlines. Adaptable and collaborative, you balance independence with teamwork, showing initiative, sound judgment, and a calm approach under pressure.

Your commitment to continuous improvement, respect for confidentiality, and appreciation of diverse perspectives align with the University’s values of openness, cooperation, and partnership with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The University of Waikato is dedicated to equipping students with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and skills in community-based and workplace settings, thereby ensuring they are thoroughly prepared for their future studies, careers, and professional endeavours.

The Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Central Unit collaborates to provide students with a comprehensive and integrated approach to employability and work-integrated learning.

This Unit supports students, university staff, and community partners by enhancing operational efficiency through the provision and facilitation of software applications specifically designed to address the complexities associated with WIL programmes.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Friday 31 October 2025

Requisition number : #J-18808-Ljbffr