Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Hastings

 Green by Nature is proud to be the chosen service provider for Hastings District Council, entrusted with maintaining the region’s many parks, sports fields, gardens, and public facilities. As we bid farewell to our current Operations Manager, this opens the door for a new capable leader to step into this pivitol role and continue driving excellence.

Abput the Role

Reporting to the Regional Manager, you’ll lead the delivery of key council contracts across the Hastings District, ensuring services are delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. Overseeing a skilled and dedicated team of six direct reports, your leadership will guide operations across mowing and sports turf, horticulture, arboriculture, asset maintenance, and public facility care.

This is a critical leadership role where you’ll:

• Ensure contractual obligations are met and consistently exceeded
• Drive operational performance aligned with council expectations and community needs
• Build and maintain strong working relationships within council and stakeholders
• Support and develop your team managers and operational staff
• Monitor contract KPIs, ensure compliance, and provide accurate, timely reporting
• Foster a culture of health and safety, continuous improvement, and team engagement

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a confident, proactive leader with a solid background in contract delivery, parks and open space management, or similar. You will ideally bring:

• Proven experience leading high-performing teams
• A sound understanding of service delivery in a council or public works environment
• Experience managing and growing contracts with a strong eye for service excellence
• Capability in budgeting, target setting, and driving operational outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a knack for stakeholder engagement and reporting
• High resilience – calm under pressure, adaptable to change, and a stabilising presence for your team
• Experience with recruitment, performance management, and staff development
• A proactive attitude toward Health & Safety and the ability to lead by example
• Qualifications in Horticulture, Turf, or a related field would be advantageous
• A full NZ driver’s licence (manual preferred)

What We Offer

We’re proud to be part of one of Australasia’s leading green space management companies. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• A competitive, performance-based salary, reviewed annually
• A work vehicle + phone also permitted for personal use
• Annual wellness benefit
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development with internal and external training
• The opportunity to make your mark within the business, growing your team

If you’re ready to bring your drive, leadership, and commercial expertise to a growing team, we’d love to hear from you.

📢 Important: In accordance with our Drug & Alcohol Policy, the successful candidate must undergo and pass a pre-employment drug test and must complete a Ministry of Justice check.