_{26th February, 2026}

We are seeking an ambitious and skilled Residential Life Manager | Pou Taurima to join the UniLodge Canterbury Team. This is a unique opportunity to lead the end-to-end residential experience for two of our first year hall communities while managing a team of residential life staff and student leaders.

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this role, you will:

• Oversee a mana-enhancing residential life programme, ensuring it is innovative, inclusive, and impactful.
• Lead resident wellbeing, equity, and academic support, responding proactively to challenges and fostering a safe, inclusive environment.
• Champion student voice and communication, ensuring residents are engaged and informed.
• Manage conduct, and support incident management, embedding best-practice pastoral care frameworks.
• Lead staff recruitment, training, and development, coaching your team to deliver exceptional service and fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Work alongside the leadership team to drive strategy, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the halls.
• This is a full-time permanent position (40 hours per week, Sunday- Thursday working midday until 8:30pm), with flexibility required for after-hours and weekend work to meet the evolving needs of our residents.

ABOUT YOU

You are enthusiastic, intentional, and passionate about creating an environment that supports student growth and success. You understand the complexities of university life and operational aspects of residential living. You are confident in leading responses to critical incidents, mental health challenges, and resident wellbeing issues.

Key attributes include:

• Proven leadership experience managing teams, including coaching and development of direct reports.
• Strong strategic and operational planning skills, with the ability to implement and evaluate residential programmes.
• Experience in a university or student accommodation environment (highly regarded).
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to problem-solve, manage conflict, and foster collaboration.
• Deep cultural competency, with the ability to embed Te Ao Māori perspectives and culturally responsive practice.
• A focus on service excellence, quality outcomes, and building thriving communities.
• High-level writing and research skills (highly regarded).
• NZ Police Vetting clearance (required).
• Unrestricted work rights in New Zealand.

Why UniLodge Living Group?

UniLodge specialise in student accommodation and have been an industry market leader since 1996. The UniLodge Living Group manages a diverse portfolio of close to 130 properties and hotels with a footprint in every city in mainland Australian and New Zealand; and we employ a team of over 1200 staff across our business. We optimise tenancy for owners and create thriving communities.  

Across our workforce we have built an enviable culture of trust, engagement, collaboration, and fun. Our residents come from diverse backgrounds, and we want our teams to reflect this. Our people are the heart of our business, and their contributions are valued and celebrated. We invest in the wellbeing and professional development of our team, offering access to ongoing training and professional development, career progression, development reviews, and employee assistance program (EAP) services. We acknowledge that everyone leads unique lives, and therefore offer various leave options including study leave, parental leave entitlements, etc.  

APPLY NOW

If you’re ready to bring your leadership, passion, and expertise to UniLodge Auckland Central, we want to hear from you. Submit your application outlining your skills, experience, and what you will bring to our student community.

UniLodge reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time. Candidates will be progressed as applications are received, rather than after the advertisement closure date.  
 
***All final applicants for this position will be required to provide evidence of a criminal record check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits. 

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