Chief Operating Officer

The Opportunity

With our current Chief Operating Officer moving to Australia for family reasons, we are looking for a new Chief Operating Officer (or an equivalent Executive Dean role) to join our Executive team in the leadership of the College. This role works closely with our National Principal/CEO, CFO, Academic Dean and Senior Leadership team.

You will be joining us in an exciting season. Laidlaw has a compelling vision and mission, with a rich history of forming people shaped by the Gospel since 1922, and a well-developed strategic plan with ongoing initiatives for growth. In 2024, Laidlaw relocated its Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland campus into a newly refurbished complex in central Henderson, and this year we will celebrate our 50th year in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority completed an External Evaluation and Review in 2024 and were highly confident in both the College’s educational performance and capability in self-assessment.

You will be welcomed into a distinctively Christian community of formation and learning, working alongside a well-established and trusted leadership team. The role is diverse in scope. It will appeal to someone who can work at a strategic level with a variety of stakeholders, who also enjoys being hands on to ensure smooth day to day college operations. You will lead and empower continuous improvement across all areas of our operations, team leadership and systems.

This is a full-time Auckland based role, reporting to our National Principal/CEO, with 7 direct reports. Travel to our Christchurch campus and nationally will be required periodically.  

Broadly, your areas of responsibility will include:

Strategy and leadership:

  • Working with the National Principal/CEO and college leadership to set organisational strategy and priorities.
  • Translating strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth.

Team leadership and culture:

  • Working with the National Principal/CEO to lead our collaborative, high-trust, high-performance, high-accountability culture.
  • Taking an active role in attracting, retaining and developing high-performing staff.

Business management:

  • Working to ensure that Laidlaw’s business is conducted efficiently, is growing in key markets and is future-proofed to risks and opportunities.

Delivery:

  • Overseeing the operational delivery of Laidlaw’s programmes.
  • Ensuring that Laidlaw’s campuses continue to serve the College’s needs.

Systems and processes:

  • Supporting and leading the analysis of internal operations and identifying areas of process enhancement.

Who are we looking for? 

The successful candidate will bring the following skills and experiences:

  • Models a faith to others that is personally vibrant, Christ-centred, evangelical and deeply shaped by the Scriptures. 
  • Commitment to the development of a formational higher education community.
  • Emotionally intelligent, culturally competent, and relationally astute, with a proven track record of success in leading collaboratively.
  • Excels in strategic thinking, taking a critical view of all information.
  • Ability to resolve issues and build consensus among groups of diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience in leading and developing high performing teams, and growing leaders.
  • Communicates effectively and professionally.
  • Financially literate, with strong business nous and experience in budget management at a senior level.
  • A post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline preferred.
  • For suitable candidates with an academic background, this role could be research active.


About us

Laidlaw College is the largest tertiary-level evangelical, interdenominational college in New Zealand. As a private training establishment, we offer quality education in theology, mission and ministry, counselling and education, with campuses in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtautahi Christchurch. Study at Laidlaw is not only for those preparing for professional Christian ministry but is also for those who are seeking to deepen and integrate their faith into every area of life. We teach programmes from Certificate to Doctoral level.

Our Vision: A world shaped by love, compelled and informed by the Gospel.

Our Mission: To equip students and scholars to renew their communities with a faith as intelligent as it is courageous.



Why Laidlaw?

You will be joining a work community that supports wellbeing, encourages professional and personal development and celebrates successes. These initiatives include:

  • Regular community gatherings and celebrations with staff and students
  • Free parking and proximity to public transport options
  • Access to a staff discount card and Laidlaw library membership
  • A proactive commitment to support your professional and personal development



For a position description, please click here

Please apply via SEEK with a covering letter and CV. Applications for this role close 5pm, Monday 17 February 2025.

If you would like to make a time for a confidential phone call to discuss any queries, please email Tracey McDowall, HR Consultant, Laidlaw College, [email protected]