Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Lead People, Quality and Growth in a Fast-Growing Horticulture Business

Full Time | Based in Wānaka, New Zealand

Doug The Gardener is an award-winning, family-owned gardening and landscaping company recognised for developing and maintaining some of Wānaka's most beautiful residential gardens. We are passionate about quality horticulture, strong client relationships and building an exceptional team culture — and we are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to help take our business to the next level.

About the Role

This is a hands-on leadership and coordination role, overseeing the daily operational performance of multiple gardening and landscaping teams. You will ensure staff, tools, equipment and vehicles are scheduled and maintained, uphold high horticultural and safety standards, build strong client relationships and lead in-house training and development.

This role suits someone who thrives on planning, people leadership, logistics and horticultural expertise.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

Operational Planning and Quality

• Plan and organise daily workflow, staffing, time allocation and tools for each job
• Organise the maintenance and servicing of tools, equipment and vehicles
• Maintain quality control across all teams, ensuring high horticultural standards, productivity and plant care
• Review, improve and develop standard operating procedures for all aspects of gardening services

Leadership and Training

• Lead, motivate, supervise and support multiple team supervisors
• Conduct staff induction training and manage documentation
• Manage in-house horticulture, tool and safety training aligned with staff development plans
• Maintain exceptional Health and Safety standards, documentation and compliance

Client Relationships and Business Growth

• Conduct site visits and onboard new clients
• Maintain clear communication pathways and build ongoing client relationships
• Promote our services and uphold client experience standards
• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems and business growth initiatives

Required Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you should have:

• At least 3 years experience in an operations leadership role
• Strong horticultural knowledge and gardening experience preferred
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Confidence managing labour budgets, job pacing and time management
• Experience using operational software (ServiceM8 or similar)
• Clean NZ driver's licence and confidence towing trailers and reversing
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism and attention to detail
• Physically fit and comfortable working on the tools when required

What We Offer

• Excellent pay based on experience
• Professional development and leadership growth pathways
• Full employment benefits (this is not a contractor role)
• NZQA Level 4 Horticulture training supported (if applicable)
• Weekly yoga sessions for staff wellbeing
• Supportive, motivated and down-to-earth team culture
• Opportunity to directly influence quality, standards and company growth

Location and Requirements

• Full-time role based in Wānaka
• Applicants must have NZ Citizenship, Residency or a valid Work Visa

How to Apply

Send your CV and a cover letter to:

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $33.00 – $37.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Education:

• NCEA Level Preferred)

Experience:

• gardening or landscaping: 1 year (Preferred)
• operations and logistics: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Licence/Certification:

• work visa (also select yes if NZ Citizen or Resident) (Required)
• clean driving license (Required)

Location:

• Wanaka 9305 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person