Operations Manager

Role overview

Green by Nature is the selected service partner for Tararua District Council, responsible for the care of the district’s parks, playgrounds, and public areas. This position offers the chance to step into an important leadership role and help guide the quality and future direction of Tararua’s outdoor spaces.

About the position

Reporting to the Regional Manager, the Operations Manager will play a central part in making sure day-to-day delivery not only satisfies contract requirements but goes beyond them, creating spaces that are well kept and welcoming for residents and visitors across the Tararua district.

The role involves leading a team of 11 people and overseeing a varied set of services, including mowing, handyperson and asset maintenance work, and horticulture/gardening activities. The position is a practical leadership role with an even split between office-based management and hands-on field work.

What you will do

• Lead and support a team of 11 across multiple outdoor maintenance functions.
• Manage mowing, handyperson, asset maintenance, horticulture, and gardening operations.
• Ensure service delivery consistently meets and exceeds contract standards.
• Balance administrative leadership with active involvement in daily operational work.
• Monitor budgets, targets, and operational initiatives, ensuring projects stay within time and cost limits.
• Build strong working relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and Tararua District Council.
• Prepare reports and communicate clearly in writing and through computer-based systems.
• Recruit, manage performance, support engagement, and develop team members through training and guidance.
• Promote and uphold a strong health and safety culture in all aspects of the role.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a confident and approachable leader with experience in a similar industry and a strong record of guiding teams successfully. You should be comfortable handling changing situations, making practical decisions, and giving your team clarity and confidence.

Preferred background includes horticulture or sports turf management, though this is not essential. Hands-on experience in a similar environment is important, along with the ability to work safely and collaboratively.

Requirements and qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a similar role or industry.
• Ability to set goals, manage budgets, assess operational performance, and deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
• Strong written communication and computer skills, including report writing.
• Experience working closely with clients and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and clear communication.
• Background in recruitment, performance management, employee engagement, training, and development.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and safe systems of work.
• Qualification in horticulture or sports turf management preferred, but not essential.
• Practical experience in a similar field.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence and the ability to drive a manual vehicle.

Benefits

• Performance-linked pay, reviewed each year.
• Annual wellness allowance of $300 after the qualifying period.
• Company vehicle and a phone that can also be used personally.
• Access to internal and external training opportunities for ongoing career development.
• Opportunity to build a career with an established company that has been leading the industry for more than 30 years.
• Exposure to one of Australasia’s largest green space maintenance organisations.

Additional conditions

The successful candidate will need to comply with the company’s Drug & Alcohol Policy and must pass both a pre-employment drug screen and a Ministry of Justice check covering criminal and driving convictions.