King’s College is one of New Zealand’s most recognised independent schools, with a proud history dating back to 1896. Located on an expansive Auckland campus, the College is known for academic excellence, outstanding co-curricular opportunities, and a strong sense of community and belonging.
The College combines heritage and tradition with a clear commitment to future readiness. Significant investment in campus development, technology, and student experience continues to position King’s as a leading educational institution. With an engaged alumni network, donor community, and strong governance, the College is entering an important phase of strategic delivery and growth.
About the Opportunity:
The Chief Operating Officer is a pivotal executive leadership role at a defining stage in the College’s evolution, reporting to the Headmaster and working closely with the Board of Governors. The role is responsible for translating strategic ambition into disciplined delivery across finance, operations, capital investment, and organisational performance.
Leading functions across finance, digital and technology, property, facilities, catering, risk, uniform operations, and affiliate support, the COO ensures these areas operate as one aligned system supporting the College’s educational priorities.
A major priority is leadership of the College’s capital and property programme, including investment planning, funding strategy, sequencing, and delivery oversight. The COO also supports governance excellence through high-quality Board reporting, committee support, and clear decision-ready advice.
This is a role for a leader who can balance commercial performance, future readiness, and operational excellence within a values-led school community.
Key Responsibilities:
Ensure long-term financial sustainability, planning, modelling, and budgeting
Lead major capital investment and campus development priorities
Drive operational performance, systems improvement, and accountability
Provide strategic advice and decision-ready reporting to the Board
Lead digital strategy, data capability, and technology modernisation
Strengthen risk, health and safety, and organisational resilience
Support affiliate trusts and wider College commercial objectives.
What You’ll Bring:
Proven success as a COO, CFO, or senior enterprise leader in a complex organisation
Strong commercial and financial acumen, including planning and capital allocation
Experience leading multiple business functions through senior leaders
Credibility working with Boards and presenting strategic recommendations
Track record delivering transformation and measurable outcomes
Low ego, collaborative style, and ability to build trusted relationships
Genuine alignment with education, community, and values-led leadership.
What’s on offer?
A rare opportunity to shape the future of one of New Zealand’s most respected schools through major investment, transformation, and strategic delivery
A broad executive role partnering closely with the Headmaster and Board, with genuine influence across strategy, finance, operations, and growth
Competitive remuneration within a values-led environment where your leadership contributes directly to student outcomes and long-term legacy.
Next Steps?
To keep things simple, we ask that all applications are submitted through this advert. We’ll review applications as they come in and be in touch.
For any questions give David Hammond a call on 027-444-6368.
To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.
At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying.
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