Men’s Football Coach

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University of Auckland is seeking an experienced Men’s Football Coach on a contract-for-service to lead a training and performance programme for the 2027 FISU World Cup. Based onsite at Hiwa, the role requires roughly four hours per week and $50 per hour as a contractor. You will run fair trials, deliver a structured training plan, foster leadership and a strong team culture, and collaborate with the manager, strength and conditioning staff, and Sport and Recreation. Apply online by 6 February 2026 with a cover letter and CV; inquiries to Jake McRae; apply via Smart Recruiters. Benefits include Hiwa membership and tournament travel. Tips for applicants: show impact with concrete examples of performance improvement and wellbeing, highlight leadership development and collaboration across stakeholders, and ensure your licensing and contractor status are clear.

Company Description

Contract for Services - Independent Contractor
February 2026 until December 2026 with possibility of extension

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and the country’s largest with over 40,000 students.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and energetic Men’s Football Coach to deliver a high‑quality training and performance programme for the University of Auckland Men’s Football team, supporting preparation for national representative competition held September–October 2026.

2026 is a qualification year for the 2027 FISU Football World Cup.

If the successful coach leads the team through qualification, the coach maybe extended by an additional year to support preparation for and participation in the World Cup.

The Men’s Football programme has a strong international history, having competed in the 2023 and 2025 FISU Football World Cups, and remaining undefeated in all qualifying matches. In 2025, the team achieved an 8th‑place finish at the World Cup.

This engagement offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a globally recognised programme, while empowering student‑athletes within a high‑performance, values‑led university environment.

Based at Hiwa, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland’s state‑of‑the‑art recreation centre in the heart of the city campus, you’ll have access to premium facilities and a vibrant community dedicated to athletic and personal excellence.

As the coach, you will be expected to lead:

• A fair and transparent trials process and final squad selection.
• A structured training plan and campaign environment that empowers student leadership, prepares the squad for national competition, and builds strong team culture that aligns with an overarching vision and philosophy specific to our representative teams.
• Coaching oversight that provides clear direction while encouraging athlete ownership, responsibility, and contribution to team standards.
• Innovative, engaging training sessions that reflect passion, creativity, and high performance.
• A supportive environment that prioritises student wellbeing alongside performance.
• Effective collaboration with the team manager, strength & conditioning support, and Sport & Recreation staff.
• A tournament‑ready team prepared for a successful championship performance.

This role seeks candidates with experience in:

• High‑performance Football coaching (minimum three years at school, club, or higher level).
• Athlete development, performance planning, and implementing innovative coaching methods.
• Creating inclusive, supportive, and high‑functioning team environments that foster leadership and accountability.
• Supporting athlete welfare and working effectively with diverse student‑athletes.
• Clear communication and collaborative engagement within a multi‑stakeholder environment.

Contracting Details:

This is a contract‑for‑service arrangement.
The successful contractor will operate as an independent contractor, not an employee, and will invoice for services provided.

• Time commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week
• Contract period: February 2026 until December 2026, with the possibility of extension
• Tournament: Tertiary Football Cup (September - October 2026) TBC
• Rate: Minimum $50 per hour, negotiable depending on experience
• Further information: Please view the attached Position Description for Contractors

Qualifications

• An OFC / NZF C Licence or above is preferred, though not essential. 

Additional Information

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What We Offer

• Complimentary membership to Hiwa Recreational Facilities for the duration of the contract for services.
• All tournament‑related travel costs covered, including flights, accommodation, meals, and ground transport, where required as part of championship participation.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Please submit your application online by Friday, 6 February 2026 (NZST)

Your application should include:

• A brief cover letter outlining your interest in this contract opportunity and how your skills and experience align with the service requirements.
• Your updated CV.

If you have any questions about the engagement, you are welcome to contact Jake McRae at [email protected]

Please note: while enquiries are welcome, all applications must be submitted online through the recruitment portal (Smart Recruiters).

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Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz