Chief Technology Officer
Candidate Pack
A Message from Alison Denne, Acting Chief Operating Officer
OAlison Denne Acting Chief Operating Officer
n behalf of the Trust Services team, welcome to Saint Kentigern. I am delighted that you’re considering joining our school community as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and I wanted to take a moment to share why this opportunity is so unique.
At Saint Kentigern, we pride ourselves on being values-driven, people-focused and deeply committed to excellence. We’re seeking a leader who brings not just technical expertise, but also emotional intelligence, strategic insight, and a passion for making a real impact. Above all, we are looking for someone who truly cares about our mission to provide an education that inspires our students to strive for excellence in all areas of life and the service of others.
We are proud to provide an environment where employees are encouraged to grow, challenge themselves and make a lasting impact. Joining a school environment means that your work will play a crucial role in crafting the educational experience for students, staff and families.
As our new CTO, you will have the chance to shape the future of technology at Saint Kentigern, by driving technological excellence, championing digital transformation, and aligning tech
strategy with our long-term vision. You’ll work alongside an incredibly talented team, collaborating with all departments to develop innovative new ideas and solve challenges.
As a member of the Trust Services Management team, you’ll join a group of committed professionals who are united by a shared vision—providing the very best environment for our students and staff to thrive.
If you are excited by the opportunity to make a real difference in the education sector and lead a team in an environment that values innovation, we would love to hear from you. This is a unique opportunity to be part of something meaningful, to have a direct impact on the future of education and to work alongside a team of people who are dedicated to excellence in all they do.
Thank you again for considering this role at Saint Kentigern. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you into our community.
Fides Servanda Est
Alison Denne
Acting Chief Operating Officer
Saint Kentigern
Introduction
FOUNDED IN 1953, SAINT KENTIGERN HAS A PROUD HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE, SERVICE, AND LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION.
Our mission is to inspire students to strive for excellence in all areas of life for the glory of God and the service of others. Operating across two campuses, we provide a seamless learning journey.
Shore Road Campus – Home to Saint Kentigern Preschool (ages 3-5), Boys’ School (Years 1-8), and Girls’ School (Years 1-8), fostering curiosity, leadership, and academic growth in single-gender environments.
Pakuranga Campus – Home to Saint Kentigern College (Years 7-13), offering single-gender learning for Years 7-8, followed by co-education from Year 9. Students pursue NCEA or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, preparing them for global success.
Beyond academics, we cultivate values, character, and leadership, shaping students into purpose-driven individuals ready to serve and contribute.
Our Special Character
OUR CORE VALUES—RESPECT, INTEGRITY, SERVICE, EXCELLENCE, AND LOVE—GUIDE HOW WE WORK, INTERACT, AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER. THESE PRINCIPLES SHAPE OUR WORKPLACE CULTURE AND INFLUENCE OUR LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOUR:
RESPECT
We communicate openly and professionally, value diverse perspectives, and foster a culture of courtesy and accountability.
INTEGRITY
Acting with honesty and strong moral principles.
SERVICE
Giving back to the community and beyond with purpose and humility.
EXCELLENCE
Striving for the highest standards in all endeavours.
LOVE
Demonstrating kindness, compassion and care for self and each other.
About Saint Kentigern Trust Services
AT THE HEART OF SAINT KENTIGERN’S OPERATIONS IS A DEDICATED TEAM COMMITTED TO ENSURING OUR SCHOOLS RUN SMOOTHLY, STRATEGICALLY AND SUSTAINABLY.
As the strategic and operational backbone of Saint Kentigern, Trust Services ensures our schools are supported by robust systems, sound governance, and an unwavering commitment to business excellence. Our work spans Finance, Technology, Property, People and Culture, Marketing and Communications and Health & Safety — enabling our schools to focus on delivering outstanding learning experiences grounded in our Presbyterian values.
Guided by Saint Kentigern’s Business Excellence Framework, we are committed to continuous improvement, alignment of
effort and the delivery of high-quality services that enable a thriving organisation. This approach ensures that our work is not only efficient and effective, but also future-focused and missionaligned.
We partner closely with our school leaders to deliver services that are agile, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of our teaching and learning communities. Every initiative we support and every system we maintain contributes to our shared mission.
Current Members of the Trust Services Management (TSM) Team
Merle Boniface Chief Operating Officer
Justin Browne Property Manager
Alison Denne Finance Director / Acting COO
Rob Powell Health and Safety Manager
Colin Bowring Major Projects Manager
Sandy Moore Head of People & Culture
Kay Forrester Strategic Marketing Manager
Anton Devarajah Information SystemsTeaching and Learning
Business Excellence at Saint Kentigern
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Position Overview
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Introduction
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is the principal leader for all IT-related functions at Saint Kentigern, with responsibility for both strategic planning and operational execution. This role ensures the delivery of modern, efficient, and secure IT services that align with the school’s digital transformation goals. The CTO leads a high-performance IT team, oversees contracted services and ensures the development and maintenance of scalable, future-ready IT infrastructure that supports both innovative teaching and efficient operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role has close relationships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally and helps drive the organisation’s strategic initiatives.
Reporting Line
Key Relationships
INTERNAL
• Trust Board Saint Kentigern Leadership Team
• Trust Service Management Team Principals and their delegates
• Teacher and Professional Staff Governance committees at various levels
EXTERNAL
• Vendors Parents
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
HELPDESK (4)
Position Dimensions
Operating budget
Delegations & decision making
Challenges & problem solving
Other indicators
Coordinates spend across four schools and Trust Services of approximately $2.5m.
Delegated authority from the COO for IT operational expenditure. Reports to the Digital Steering Committee and Portfolio Committee for major project coordination.
The role demands a balance of strategic thinking and practical problem-solving, managing competing priorities and making decisions under pressure.
The role significantly impacts the operation of four schools and requires excellence in service delivery across multiple campuses to support both educational and administrative functions.
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Major Activities and Deliverables
IT STRATEGY & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
• Develop and execute the school’s digital strategy roadmap, ensuring technology enhances learning and operations.
Oversee cloud migration and IT modernization projects.
• Lead technology innovation, ensuring the schools remain at the forefront of digital education.
Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure IT investments align with school objectives.
IT GOVERNANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT
Implement ITIL-based service management processes for incident, change, and problem management.
• Ensure cybersecurity resilience, data protection, and compliance with education sector regulations.
IT INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATIONS
Oversee network management, cybersecurity, systems administration, and hybrid IT environment.
• Ensure high availability, security, and performance of IT services.
Lead disaster recovery, business continuity, and cybersecurity strategies.
• Manage IT asset lifecycle and procurement.
IT SERVICE DELIVERY & SUPPORT
Own end-to-end IT service delivery, ensuring high user satisfaction.
Establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics.
Develop IT training programs for staff and students to enhance digital proficiency.
Budget & Procurement Management
Manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective technology investments.
Oversee hardware and software procurement, optimizing vendor contracts.
• Align technology spending with the school’s long-term goals.
LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
Build and manage a high-performance IT team.
• Mentor and develop Helpdesk, Infrastructure, and Applications staff.
Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and innovation.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all faculty members and students, in accordance with school health and safety policies.
Participate in health and safety audits and ensure all incidents and hazards are reported and reviewed.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Tertiary qualification in information systems or related discipline or equivalent industry certifications and experience.
• Postgraduate qualifications in information systems or computer science (desirable).
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
10+ years of experience in IT leadership, service management, or digital transformation.
Proven ability to lead IT teams and drive change initiatives. Strong knowledge of cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT governance.
Experience managing budgets, vendor negotiations, and technology procurement.
• Deep understanding of ITIL service management best practices.
Experience in educational IT leadership (desirable).
• Certifications in ITIL, Microsoft Azure, AWS, or cybersecurity (desirable).
Knowledge of educational technology and learning management systems (desirable).
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
• Ability to build strong, cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and shared goals.
Skilled at influencing and partnering with diverse stakeholders, from the Board to staff and external partners, to drive strategic initiatives.
Clear, concise communicator with strong organisational and interpersonal skills to effectively engage all levels of the school community.
• Consistently accurate in decision-making and meeting deadlines, with a focus on high-impact outcomes.
Embodies Saint Kentigern’s core values—Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Love—promoting an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Faith in Your Future
Our aim is to attract, develop, and retain the best talent who bring their expertise, dedication, and commitment to Saint Kentigern. Excellence drives everything we do, and we know that our people—living our values and pursuing excellence—are the foundation of our success.
We make important commitments to our students, parents, and the wider community. Our commitment to you is equally important. It is based on faith—faith in your abilities, your aspirations, and your role in supporting our mission to provide exceptional education.
At Saint Kentigern, you will be part of a professional, highperforming community where you can thrive, grow, and achieve your career aspirations. Our staff are supported by collaborative teams, extensive professional development opportunities, and an environment that encourages innovation in every aspect of the organization.
Choosing to work at Saint Kentigern means joining a community dedicated to shaping the lives of students through academic excellence, character development, and a shared sense of purpose.
Our Offer
At Saint Kentigern, we recognise that exceptional support and service come from motivated and well-supported professionals. That’s why we offer a dynamic, fulfilling career experience that provides professional growth, world-class resources, and a strong sense of belonging.
OUR EMPLOYMENT PACKAGE
We are committed to providing an employment package that reflects our appreciation for our staff and supports them in their careers.
Our offer includes:
• A competitive salary commensurate with experience and knowledge
• A 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Subsidised Southern Cross Regular Care
Significant fee discounts for enrolled staff children
Two additional Saint Kentigern days
Free on-site parking
OUR COMMITMENT TO WELLBEING
We are dedicated to supporting your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
We offer:
• Access to free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential support
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• Health and wellness initiatives that promote a balanced lifestyle
Opportunities for professional development that contribute to personal growth and career satisfaction
A positive, inclusive work environment that fosters a sense of belonging and community
Your New Life in Auckland Awaits
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST AND MOST VIBRANT CITY, IS A BEAUTIFUL AND DIVERSE PLACE TO LIVE.
As a hub for culture, commerce, and natural beauty, Auckland offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and outdoor adventure. Whether you enjoy hiking through lush forests, exploring stunning beaches, or experiencing a rich cultural scene, Auckland has something for everyone.
New Zealand is known for its high quality of life, a welcoming and inclusive community, and a fantastic work-life balance. Living in Auckland gives you access to world-class amenities, excellent healthcare, and a strong education system, making it an ideal location for both professionals and families.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN MOVING TO AUCKLAND
Natural Beauty: Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” because of its stunning harbours, beaches, and outdoor recreational spaces.
Cultural Diversity: A vibrant multicultural city with a wide range of cultural events, dining options, and communities from all around the world.
Education: Auckland offers excellent educational opportunities, from primary through to tertiary institutions, including several world-renowned universities.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a great work-life balance in Auckland, where the lifestyle emphasises relaxation and leisure activities, without compromising on career opportunities.
• Public Transport: Auckland has an efficient and growing public transport system, including trains, buses, and ferries, making commuting easy.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON LIVING IN AUCKLAND, CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES
Auckland Tourism: www.aucklandnz.com
- For insights into Auckland’s attractions, events, and lifestyle.
• Immigration New Zealand: www.immigration.govt.nz
- Information on visa options, work permits, and moving to New Zealand.
• Auckland Transport: www.at.govt.nz
- For transport routes, timetables, and travel information within Auckland.
Auckland Council: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
- Learn about local services, parks, and community initiatives in Auckland.
For Further Information
If you would like more details about the position, please contact Alison Denne, Acting Chief Operating Officer at alison.denne@saintkentigern.com
For information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Cecilia Leung-Scholz, People & Culture Business Partner at cecilia.leung-scholz@saintkentigern.com
To apply, please visit our Career Page www.saintkentigern.com/careers or scan the QR code below.