Head of Department: Mechanical Engineering

Head of Department:
Mechanical Engineering Drive the growth and success of our high-performing Department
Seeking authentic partnership-driven leadership and innovation
3-year term plus permanent senior academic appointment :
based at AUT's City Campus
As one of the world's top 50 young universities and New Zealand's newest, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a university of opportunity where all students with talent and potential have the chance to succeed.
We are a socially-driven university with equity and excellence central to our purpose and actions, and we offer a stimulating teaching and research environment with strong connections to government, business, and industry.
AUT has more than 26,000 students and almost 4,000 staff based primarily at our three Auckland teaching campuses.
Our well-established Department of Mechanical Engineering is part of AUT's large, unique, dynamic and interdisciplinary School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (ECMS).
The Mechanical Engineering Department has a strong teaching, research and design focus and approximately 20 FTE staff.
We are research intensive and prepare industry-ready graduates to solve complex engineering problems, giving them a firm understanding of industrial computing, and the latest simulation techniques and methodologies to evaluate new materials, products and processes.
This critical leadership role enables the Department to achieve excellence and equity in education and research, whilst supporting implementation of the University's strategic and operational goals.
The Department is in a strong position and we're looking for a disciplinary expert with proven academic and staff management experience to continue the progress made.
We're looking to also ensure key current strengths in Thermodynamics, Robotics, Mechatronics, Material and Biomedical Engineering are amplified and the Department is established as the leader in these fields.
This role embraces space for your own innovative thinking to develop and respond to the changing needs of the sector and our students!
Key focus areas include:

Provide strategic and operational people leadership to the Department.
Lead the further development of a department culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, service and other academic contributions whilst ensuring staff feel safe and productive in their work.
Continue to develop and implement academic programs that meet industry standards and student needs.
Continue to foster strong relationships with industry, community and other key stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance and career opportunities.
Lead, mentor, and motivate academic and administrative staff to achieve department objectives.
Embrace AUT's Te Aronui framework.
Support staff as the School and AUT works towards becoming a Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led organisation.
You will be recognised as a culturally capable leader who champions inclusivity and diversity, and is committed to creativity and innovation.
Your ability to listen, connect, collaborate, communicate and influence will be critical - as will be your strong respect for others.
A resolute, robust and positive attitude is essential.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Along with your academic CV (with full publication list), please ensure to submit a) a cover letter which explains why this role and AUT are of interest, and b) a statement addressing how your experience aligns with the key selection criteria we're seeking below:

A record of academic achievement suitable for appointment as a professor/associate professor (preferably) or a senior lecturer (with very high leadership experience).
Disciplinary expertise within our Department of Mechanical Engineering, including (if applicable) Thermodynamics, Robotics, Mechatronics, Material or Biomedical Engineering.
Please also highlight your experience working successfully across other disciplines.
Previous experience line-managing academics.
Please indicate the size/scale of staff led, as well as other key leadership contributions you may have made (such as, for example, running a research centre or high-level innovative pedagogy and curriculum development etc).
A champion for equity.
Capability to lead and support the School on its Te Tiriti journey.
A brief summary of your interest and experience embracing innovation.
Demonstrated ability to develop significant connections and partnerships with industry, community and other key stakeholders.
Experience leading strategic change and demonstrating excellent understanding of cultural, operational, and organisational change management.
Applicants are welcome to add further comments they may feel of relevance.
Further Information:

Start Date:
Mid-2025 (to be agreed with the successful candidate).
Term:
The successful candidate will secure a 3-year secondment as Head of Department (with potential for further extension) and a permanent substantive appointment as a senior academic.
Salary:
Commensurate with relevant experience and skills and aligned with the appropriate step in AUT's academic pay scales, all NZD (Professor range:
$162,608-$209,052; Associate Professor range:
$148,548-$171,983; Senior Lecturer:
$113,413 -$148,295).
An Associate Professor or Senior Lecturer also receives a special responsibilities allowance for the role of Head of Department.
Academic enquiries:
Contact Professor Tek Tjing Lie, Head of School - *** .
Recruitment enquiries:
Contact Mike Wood, Executive Recruitment Partner - *** .
Advertising closes:
Sunday 2 March 2025 at 11.55pm NZST.
We expect interviews to take place in late-March.
Reference:
91115
At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn.
We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities.
We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.
Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process.
For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499.
Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.
You will need to apply through the standard registration process.
Campus
City Campus
School/
Department
School of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences
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