Job description
Senior Manager Assurance & Continuity-2501362
__________
CYBER SECURITY AND IDENTITY
DIGITAL SERVICES
Come join the University and be part of its success as the University’s cyber security lead for Assurance & Continuity
About us | Mō mātou
Here at Digital Services, we are responsible for the provision, maintenance, and support of information and communication technologies and business systems within the University of Otago community.
We are one of the largest ICT operations in NZ, supporting 27,000 users, a big network across multiple campuses and a huge range of systems.
The role | Te mahi
As Senior Manager Assurance and Continuity you’ll lead the University’s IT assurance, risk, and continuity functions.
You’ll manage our secure-by-design cybersecurity consulting approach and processes that ensure compliance with standards and regulations, strengthen our control environment, and prepare us to respond effectively to disruptions.
You’ll oversee assurance activities, internal audits, and risk assessments, and provide expert advice on applying security and quality controls in digital projects.
A key part of the role is ensuring business continuity and disaster recovery plans are maintained, tested, and effective.
This role is also about leadership and collaboration.
You’ll guide a team of specialists, partner with leaders across the University, and promote a culture of quality, compliance, and resilience.
Key responsibilities include:
• Leading the assurance and continuity team.
• Implementing and maintaining assurance frameworks and controls.
• Overseeing risk management, internal audits, and business continuity planning.
• Advising projects and leaders on applying security and assurance controls.
• Collaborating across IT and the wider University to embed assurance practices.
• Reporting regularly on risks, compliance, and improvement opportunities.
Skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
Essential:
• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science or relevant field.
• Significant experience in the computing industry, with at least five years in information or cyber security.
• Experience managing audit programmes and conducting risk assessments.
• Proven success in quality assurance, compliance, or business continuity.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
Preferred:
• Postgraduate qualifications or certifications (e.g., CISM, CISA, CIA, BCM certifications).
• Experience with ITIL or other service management frameworks.
• Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement in a large organisation.
• Understanding of NZ regulatory requirements and public sector governance.
• Familiarity with Te Reo, tikanga and mātauranga Māori in a workplace context.
Further details | Pūroko
This is a full-time (37.5 hours), permanent position.
We have a strong preference that the role is located in Ōtepoti/Dunedin, however we will consider remote work.
We offer a competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance.
More information regarding employee benefits can be found here.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.
Candidates who successfully reach the final stages of the selection process for this role will be required to undergo criminal convictions screening.
A satisfactory report from the relevant agency will be a condition of employment.
The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours.
This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.
Required Skill Profession
Operations Specialties Managers