Team Leader Operations

• Permanent, full-time opportunity
• Remuneration starts between $106,416 to $117,782 (pro rata) per annum, dependent on experience
• Rotorua location

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence is a place where 14-17 year-olds accused of an offence stay to await court proceedings or service a sentence. This means that they are not free to leave. However, a residence is not a prison. We offer our tamariki valuable experiences and sets them up with the skills they will need to meaningfully contribute to their whānau and community.

We want to call it out upfront - this role will be challenging at times. Residences are dynamic and, at times, high-risk environments and some of our tamariki are at high-risk of readmission.

However, despite the challenges, this work is deeply rewarding and offers you the opportunity to make a tangible difference for tamariki.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Team Leader Operations is an integral part of the leadership team at Te Maioha O Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence. You will lead a team that is passionate about positively influencing the pathway and journey a rangatahi is travelling on. You will provide unwavering, supportive team management and leadership whilst ensuring the safety and security of everyone in the residence is maintained at all times.

Responsibilities for the role include:

• Providing support and leadership to operational delivery and strategic vision for the residence and community homes

• Implement our policies and practices

• Ensuring residential staff training and supervision requirements are met

Due to the immediate and direct impact this position has on operational deployment and capability, you will need to feel comfortable taking direction from your manager, the Manager Residence Operations.

As the Residence is a 24/7 operation, your work pattern will not be a standard 9am to 5pm, and there will be on-call components to the role.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We want inspired and talented people leaders with the vision, knowledge, capability and drive to help us continue on our Residence transition journey.

There is also a requirement to have previous experience working with rangatahi.

• Previous resource management experience and demonstrated capability in effectively managing a shift or rostered environment
• Proven experiencein managing teams and staff development
• Technically savvy - high degree of working knowledge in the use of a wide range of technology
• Advanced planning and organisational skills
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to successfully engage with a wide range of stakeholders
• Highly effective communicator and strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated empathy for working with children
• Proven cultural competence

Due to the critical need to fill this position, you must have an entitlement to work in New Zealand.

If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for and you have the following skills, knowledge and experience, we want to hear from you

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

• Full training, supervision and career development opportunities
• The ability to make a difference to the outcomes for our rangatahi (young people)
• The ability to make long lasting relationships within the community

We offer a remuneration package that starts between approximately $106,416 to $117,782 (depending on your experience). Additionally, Oranga Tamariki has a remuneration framework that offers step-based annual increases based on your tenure.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Applications close: Monday 27 October 2025 Applications will be reviewed as received and we may contact successful applicants prior to the advertising closing

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.