Operations Manager

Permanent Full-time

Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for people, empowerment, and high‑quality care?

Do you thrive in environments where every day brings the opportunity to make a difference?

If so, this is your opportunity to join a values‑driven organisation supporting kiritaki/clients to live fulfilling, self‑directed lives.

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Operations Manager to lead our residential services. This pivotal new role ensures our kiritaki/clients receive exceptional care and rehabilitation support in alignment with our values and service philosophy.

Te mahi angitu - The opportunity

As our first Operations Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operations within our largest residential service, ensuring kiritaki/clients receive high-quality, person-centred care. You'll drive continuous improvement, manage budgets and contracts, strengthen service performance, and lead a large, dedicated frontline team.

• Service Transformation - Shape and embed a high-performing, client-centred residential service model
• Exceptional Service Leadership - Lead and support frontline teams, cultivating an environment where kiritaki/clients can make informed choices and live meaningful lives
• Operational Excellence - Implement robust staffing, performance, rostering, and care delivery systems that support consistent, high-quality service
• Continuous Quality Improvement - Establish and lead quality frameworks, audits, pathways, and Nga Paerewa compliance systems
• Financial Contract Management - Build strong financial oversight, manage operational budgets, and ensure contractual and reporting processes are efficient and future-proof
• Strategic Development - Identify opportunities, lead improvement projects, and develop business cases that support long-term service growth and innovation
• Relationship Building - Strengthen connections with funders, allied health teams, family/whanau, and ACC partners
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Uphold culturally responsive practice and support positive outcomes for Maori

You will have the opportunity to:

• Shape a brand-new role and influence service direction
• Support kiritaki/clients to live with independence, dignity, and choice
• Be part of an exciting chapter in our history as we move to a new model of care transitioning from facility-based care to residential community housing

• A friendly, supportive environment that thrives on a shared vision, laughter, and genuine connections. You'll find colleagues who celebrate your victories and inspire you to reach new heights
• Opportunities for further learning, mentorship, and support with your career development
• Competitive remuneration
• A generous annual leave entitlement
• Staff discounts including gym membership at corporate rates

• A recognised clinical registration (OT, Physio, Nursing, SLT) and a current APC
• 5+ years' leadership experience in health, disability, or social services
• Experience in leading and managing change within operational services
• Experience working with funders such as ACC, DSS or Health New Zealand
• Strong financial, operational, and people leadership capability
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice
• Outstanding communication skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience
• A commitment to client-centred, values-driven service delivery

Mo tatou - About us

We are an independent, charitable organisation driven to help our kiritaki achieve independence, inclusion, and quality of life. Through a full continuum of assessment, rehabilitation and support services delivered when and where they are needed, our highly skilled interdisciplinary teamwork with our kiritaki and their families/whanau to develop individualised strategies that equip them to find new pathways through life.

We:

• Welcome Tangata Moana, Tangata Tiriti, Tangata Haumi and Mana Whenua
• Welcome people with a disability
• Welcome neurodiverse people
• Welcome people from the Rainbow community; we have taken the Pride Pledge and are members of the Safe Spaces Alliance
• Are carer friendly and accredited with CareWise
• Are breastfeeding friendly and accredited with CanBreastFeed

To view a copy of the position description, go: https://careers.lfbit.co.nz