Senior Discipline Lead - Food, Culinary & Hospitality Education - Auckland

Job Type: Permanent - Full TimeLocation: AucklandJob Category: Education & TrainingShape the future of food and hospitality education.Join Skills Group in leading innovative applied degree programmes that merge culinary practice, food science, culture, nutrition, and hospitality leadership to prepare learners for a changing world.Job DescriptionAbout the roleAs the Senior Discipline Lead – Food, Culinary and Hospitality Education, you’ll lead the design and delivery of higher education programmes that view food as both an art and a science - blending creativity, culture, nutrition, and sustainability with professional practice in hospitality and leadership.Reporting to the Dean of Higher Education and Professional Practice, you’ll guide curriculum innovation, foster strong industry and community partnerships, and position Skills Group as a national leader in applied food and hospitality education.You Will Lead curriculum design that integrates food knowledge, culinary creativity, and hospitality management Ensure learning bridges food science, gastronomy, sustainability, and leadership Champion evidence-based, learner-centred teaching across delivery modes Build strong relationships with industry and community partners across Aotearoa and beyond Develop work-integrated learning and applied research opportunities Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and reflective practice among teaching teams About You Desired Skills and ExperienceWe are looking for a leader with the right blend of academic depth, industry credibility, and passion for learner success.You Will Have A Master’s degree (PhD desirable) in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Nutrition, Gastronomy, or Hospitality Leadership experience in higher education or professional practice Proven success in curriculum development, programme leadership, or educational innovation Experience building industry partnerships and developing work-integrated learning Commitment to inclusive, student-centred learning and continuous improvement Desirable Higher education teaching qualification Research experience in food, hospitality, or applied education Understanding of NZQA frameworks or equivalent international systems If you’re visionary, academically grounded, and driven to innovate in education, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of food and hospitality learning.Why join Skills Group?At Skills Group, our purpose is to maximise human potential. For more than 30 years, we’ve supported learners and employers across New Zealand through innovative vocational and higher education.Our culture is built on our Vital Signs of Joy, Manaakitanga, Grow, and Bold.We foster curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning - celebrating successes together and supporting each other through challenges.Benefits That Back YouWe care about your wellbeing, your growth, and your future: Health & Wellbeing: Fully subsidised Southern Cross medical insurance, TELUS Health EAP, and free flu vaccinations Superannuation & Financial: 3% Kiwisaver + 2% SuperLife contributions, $500 referral bonus, and access to great discounts Learning & Development: Two paid learning hours each week, LinkedIn Learning, Future Fit webinars, and 50% off Skills Group courses for you and your whānau Leave & Flexibility: Flexible working (3:2 model), birthday leave, long-service leave, and extra bereavement leave The Skills Experience: Modern, collaborative campuses, Skills Awards, team events, and celebrations grounded in Joy, Grow, Bold, and Manaakitanga Ready to shape the future of food and hospitality education?Apply now and lead the creation of innovative, industry-connected programmes that empower tomorrow’s leaders in food and hospitality.