Assistant Contract Manager

Aquaheat Facility Services | In Partnership with the University of Auckland

Aquaheat Facility Services Ltd , part of Horizon Energy Group, is seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Contract Manager to support the delivery of facilities management services across the University of Auckland portfolio.

About the Role

Working closely with the Contract Manager, this role is responsible for supporting the successful operational delivery of facilities management services across the University of Auckland portfolio.

You will lead facilities management operations, supporting internal teams and subcontractors to ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard within a fast-paced and complex environment.

The Assistant Contract Manager will also contribute to reporting, asset management planning, sustainability initiatives, and continuous improvement across the contract, while acting as the delegated lead in the absence of the Contract Manager when required.

This role requires a strong partnership-focused approach, building trusted working relationships with University stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal teams to support long-term service success and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the successful delivery of the University of Auckland facilities management contract
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with university stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal teams
• Drive operational performance, commercial outcomes, and service excellence
• Lead and mentor Facilities Managers, subcontractors, and support staff across the contract
• Ensure subcontractors and service providers operate in line with contractual obligations, KPIs, Health & Safety standards, budgets, and timelines
• Act as the delegated lead in the absence of the Contract Manager, overseeing operational and stakeholder responsibilities across the portfolio
• Support asset management strategies focused on long-term performance, value retention, and uninterrupted services
• Utilise reporting insights, operational data, and KPI metrics to support data driven decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute to monthly reporting, sustainability initiatives, and operational improvement programmes
• Promote a strong culture of teamwork, accountability, customer service, and Health & Safety

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a confident and capable leader with strong facilities or operational management experience who thrives in a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in facilities management, engineering, construction, or a related field
• Minimum 10 years' management experience within facilities management, facilities services, or a related industry
• Current New Zealand Driver Licence
• Proven experience managing large and complex client portfolios or multi-site operations
• Strong financial and operational management capability
• Sound understanding of building services, compliance requirements, and statutory obligations
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage subcontractors, client relationships, and operational performance within complex or multi-site environments
• Strong analytical and reporting capability with experience using data and KPI insights to drive operational improvements
• Experience within commercial or public sector environments is advantageous

What We Offer

• Company vehicle with full private use
• Career development opportunities and ongoing professional support
• Access to wellness initiatives including health checks, flu vaccinations, EAP support, and life and critical illness insurance
• Paid birthday leave and a range of corporate benefits and discounts
• The opportunity to work within a respected and established organisation delivering meaningful facilities services across New Zealand
• Opportunity to work within a high-profile partnership environment with one of New Zealand's leading universities

• At Aquaheat, our values are Sustainability, Winning, Innovation, Trust, Customer Focus, and Health & Safety

• If you are ready to take the next step in your facilities management career and contribute to a high-profile partnership environment, we would love to hear from you

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