Operations Manager

• Lead and inspire a diverse, dynamic team to achieve ambitious outcomes for Nature (Taiao)
• 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 Turoa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mo te turanga | 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, hapu, and whanau, and understanding your role in the Crown-Maori relationship, will be key to achieving united conservation outcomes.

Bring your understanding of tikanga Maori, kaitiakitanga, wairuatanga, manaakitanga, and iwi/haputanga 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-Maori perspective. Join us and lead with purpose, fostering meaningful change through your leadership.

Click here for the Role Description

Nga pukenga me nga 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, hapu, and whanau 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.

He aha nga painga mou? | 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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Tonoa inaianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

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

The salary range for this position is $123,000 to $162,500 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

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

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor