Senior Service Lead

Posted: 24/11/2025

Closing Date: 08/12/2025

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Christchurch

Job Category: Community Services and Development,Voluntary, Charity & Social Work

Senior Service Lead (Central & South), Meal on Wheels

Permanent Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Location: South Island - within 1 hour of a main airport

We welcome applicants based anywhere in the South Island, within one hour of a main airport (Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson). This role also requires flexibility to travel across the South Island and lower North Island.

NZRC offers a total remuneration approach of $78,637 for this role, which comprises of base salary as well as employer contribution to KiwiSaver. While remuneration rates are set to reflect that we are a humanitarian not for profit organisation, we believe our employee leave provision and flexible working arrangements, provide a highly rewarding work experience.

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

Our Meals on Wheels delivery service is a flagship programme that engages daily with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities across the country. It has a team of 12 employees and approximately 3,000 volunteers and is our largest volunteer activity. The Senior Service Lead role is responsible for providing motivational and effective leadership of employees and members/volunteers across the South Island and lower North Island to achieve successful service delivery and maximise the volunteer experience and community impact.

In this role you will:

• Maintain operational oversight of the locations within your region
• Line-manage and coach employees and volunteers
• Drive a culture of innovation and excellence, leading the implementation of service development initiatives
• Lead a proactive approach to the management of health, safety and wellbeing risks
• Manage external and internal stakeholder relationships, maximising opportunities for collaboration
• Contribute to the work of our wider Emergency Management and International Group.

Who are we looking for? – Mā‎ wai te mahi nei?

We encourage you to apply for this role if you have (at least some of) these competencies:

• Knowledge of and experience in managing employees and volunteers.
• Knowledge of and experience in leading and managing change.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of data-informed decision-making.
• Strong computer skills and willingness to learn or adapt to new technology.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining good working relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to challenge the status quo and view things from different perspectives, fostering innovative thinking and continuous improvement.
• Empathy with humanitarian causes.

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 10,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.

Why work with us?

At New Zealand Red Cross, you'll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.

Our benefits include:

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Please submit your application online, as we're unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume

• Cover Letter

• Passport

• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 05:00 pm on 08/12/2025.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for further information, please contact Pip Mabin at

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early.