Operations Manager

• Lead and inspire a diverse, dynamic team to achieve ambitious conservation goals.
• Drive meaningful change with a commitment to Taiao.
• Relationships focused leadership is essential.
• Full time, permanent role, Tauranga based.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature spaces and species across Aotearoa.

Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.

Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.

Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role

This role calls for an experienced and inspiring people leader with a successful track record in leading large, distributed operational teams. Our work programmes are diverse, fast-paced, and ambitious, so your ability to foster and enhance team wellbeing and culture through strong engagement, guidance and ongoing development will be critical to your success in this role.

Strong critical-thinking skills will help you manage strategic and operational demands across a vast region. You'll work closely with delivery teams and leaders within the DOC ecosystem to solve issues, adapt to challenges, and find solutions. Your confidence and commitment to building and strengthening partnerships with mana whenua, iwi, hapū, and whānau, and understanding your role in the Crown-Māori relationship, will be key to achieving united conservation outcomes.

Bring your understanding of tikanga Māori, kaitiakitanga, wairuatanga, manaakitanga, and iwi/hapūtanga to this pivotal role. Your proven relationship management skills will enable you to engage confidently and work in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua.

Spanning diverse landscapes with multiple Tiriti Partners, this role requires a leader who not only feels comfortable but also embodies the spirit and willingness to drive change from a Crown-Māori perspective. Join us and lead with purpose, fostering meaningful change through your leadership.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

This role is all about people leadership, requiring someone who can motivate and guide their team effectively. Operational leadership is a key aspect, and the right leader will be a pragmatic, and a practical solution- focused thinker.

We are keen to hear from you if you have the following attributes:

• The ability to inspire and motivate others while fostering a culture that values teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Strong operational leadership experience.
• Experience in stakeholder and community partnerships and the ability to effectively engage and partner with mana whenua, iwi, hapū, and whānau to achieve conservation outcomes.
• Strong planning and delivery management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complexities on the go.
• Resilience and the ability to navigate through times of pressure, challenge, or ambiguity.
• Strong understanding of and focus on health and safety: Enable a positive safety culture.

Join us in leading with purpose and making a lasting impact on conservation through inspired leadership and strong community partnerships.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $113,712– $161,659 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday, 8 November 2024.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Jade Kinghazel at jking-hazel@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1823914