Production & Operations Manager
Student Engagement

Te Rōpū Akonga ō Te Whare Wānanga ō Waitaha | University of Canterbury Student Association (UCSA)

• Full time

• Permanent

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced people manager with a background in event production, venue operations, or technical delivery? Do you thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy leading teams to deliver exceptional experiences? Are you keen to work across a wide variety of events - from 3500-person outdoor music festivals to corporate conferences, club activations, and everything in between?

Our Production & Operations Manager leads our Production Lead and Operations Coordinator, each with their own team of casuals, to support a range of events and operational tasks - primarily in our state-of-the-art facility Haere-roa, but also across the wider organisation.

Reporting to the UCSA Head of Student Experience, the Production & Operations Manager is responsible for leading the team and actively coordinating production, technical, and operational services for:

• UCSA student engagement events

• UCSA commercial events

• UCSA clubs

• Day-to-day Haere-roa operations

• Internal logistics and resource movement across departments

The role also involves responsibility for:

• Health & Safety compliance in technical and operational areas

• Managing venue presentation and building services

• Overseeing equipment maintenance and bookings

• Supporting clubs and clients with production planning

• Recruiting and managing casual staff pools

• Collaborating with internal teams and external contractors

• Providing logistical support for internal UCSA departments and initiatives

About You

We’re looking for a confident leader with strong organisational skills and a collaborative mindset. You’ll be experienced in event production or venue operations, and ready to step into a leadership role. You’ll be comfortable managing multiple priorities, fostering a positive team culture, and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders - from students to corporate clients.

If you enjoy thinking strategically, solving problems, and working in a fast-paced environment, this is a great opportunity to expand your skill set and enhance your career.

Due to the nature of the role and the organisation, an affinity for and understanding of students is important, as is the ability to work with corporate clients and contractors. The role does also naturally require some event work in evenings and weekends.

Important Skills

• ETNZ Working at Heights certification

• Current First Aid certificate

• Full, clean driver’s licence

• Fire Warden training

• Formal Health & Safety training (including contractor pre-qualification and risk management)

• Relevant tertiary qualification or industry certification in event management, operations, or production

• At least 2 years’ experience in event production or venue operations

• Experience managing teams and conducting performance reviews

• Knowledge of local contractors and suppliers

• Understanding of audio, video, lighting, and power systems

• Budgeting and financial administration experience

About UCSA

Nau Mai Ki Te Rōpū Akonga ō Te Whare Wānanga ō Waitaha

Welcome to The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA)

Established in 1894, the UCSA is a registered not-for-profit organisation that supports UC students to succeed and belong.

Our organisation is governed by an elected Student Executive, and we employ over 300 staff. Together, we dish up a range of student-focused services, including advocacy and welfare, representation, subsidised dental and optometry, early learning centres, club support, events, and media.

The UCSA commercial team manages several cafes and bars, as well as sizeable catering and events teams delivering services to students, staff, external customers and commercial partners.

How to Apply
Please apply through our careers site.

Applications close 30 November 2025.