Operations Manager

Basketball Manawatū is the Regional Sports Organisation for basketball across Palmerston North City, Tararua, Manawatū, and Horowhenua. From our base at Central Energy Trust Arena, we deliver competitions, programmes, and events that benefit communities across the region.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will lead the association's day‑to‑day operations and strategic growth—overseeing competitions and pathways, community programmes, partnerships, staff, and governance—so that participants and stakeholders enjoy consistently excellent basketball experiences. You'll ensure operational excellence, financial sustainability, and strong relationships with clubs, schools, whānau, sponsors, and councils in line with our vision to be the sport of choice in the Manawatū and our mission to increase the profile of basketball.

What You'll Lead

· Strategic leadership: Deliver the strategic plan and annual goals with the Board; support governance, reporting, and risk; ensure compliance (legal, financial, H&S, safeguarding, child safety).

· Operations & programmes: Manage competitions, events, community programmes, facilities, scheduling, and health & safety systems; oversee representative pathways and coach/referee development; lead the office and staff.

· Financial management: Lead budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control; grow sustainable revenue.

· Partnerships & funding: Build sponsor/funder/council relationships; prepare grants and sponsorship packages; execute a sponsorship strategy that lifts our brand and revenue.

· People & culture: Manage staff, contractors, officials, and volunteers; drive positive culture, performance, training, and recruitment; uphold legal/H&S/safeguarding compliance.

· Community & stakeholders: Be the primary contact for schools, clubs, RSOs, BBNZ, and partners; grow participation and strengthen Māori and Pasifika engagement; lead communications and public updates.

· Marketing & brand: Deliver marketing and communications to grow the brand; manage digital content and consistent messaging for events and programmes.

Qualities & Experience

· Proven leadership in community sport or not‑for‑profit (or equivalent commercial) settings, with a track record of revenue generation (sponsorship, partnerships, grants, events).

· Strong programme design & delivery across participation and performance pathways; excellent stakeholder management and confident public presenting.

· Financial acumen (budgeting, forecasting, dashboards, board reporting).

· Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, participant wellbeing; experience working with youth and diverse communities; Te Ao Māori awareness and willingness to learn.

· Digitally capable (Microsoft 365, CRM/GameDay or comparable systems; data‑informed decision making). Advanced written and oral communication skills; high initiative.

· Interest in/familiarity with the sport and health sector; ability to think creatively and identify strategic priorities; modern media/marketing competence.

· Qualifications/experience in sport management, business administration, or leadership; knowledge of NZ sport sector and basketball pathways; competence in budgeting; full NZ driver's licence.

Apply

All applications must be made online to be considered, click the Quick Apply button. Please include your CV and a cover letter outlining your fit for the role and your approach to growing participation and strengthening partnerships. If you require a copy of the full job description, please email Michelle at

Applications close: 5pm Thursday 15th January 2026

We value diversity and are committed to inclusive practices; we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.