Operations Manager

About the role

Lead conservation. Champion the outdoors. Make a lasting impact.

North Canterbury Fish & Game is seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to lead our passionate team and help protect, enhance, and advocate for the freshwater fisheries, game bird resources, and habitats that make Canterbury one of New Zealand's premier outdoor recreation destinations.

Based in Christchurch, this unique leadership role combines strategic management, environmental advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on field involvement. Working closely with the North Canterbury Fish & Game Council, you will drive the organisation's operational performance, lead a dedicated team, manage key relationships, and help shape the future of fish and game management in the region.

Key responsibilities

• Leading and inspiring a professional team to deliver strategic and operational objectives.
• Working alongside the Council to implement priorities, manage budgets, and provide expert advice.
• Building strong relationships with anglers, hunters, mana whenua, community groups, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Championing healthy freshwater ecosystems and sustainable recreational opportunities.
• Managing organisational risk, compliance, health and safety, and financial performance.
• Representing Fish & Game on environmental and public-interest issues across the region.
• Manage the Council's business and functions in a focused, effective and financially prudent way

About you

• You are a confident leader who is equally comfortable in the boardroom, the community, and the field. You bring:

  ·        Proven people leadership and operational management experience.

  ·        Experience working with a Board, Council, or governance structure.

  ·        Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

  ·        A strong interest in environmental management and conservation.

  ·        A passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.

  ·        Tertiary qualifications in ecology, biology, environmental management, or a related field would be advantageous.

About us

Fish & Game New Zealand manages, maintains and enhances sports fish and game birds and their habitats in the best long-term interests of present and future generations of anglers and hunters. F&GNZ was established in 1990 under the Conservation Act of 1987 and currently comprises 12 Regional Councils and the New Zealand Council. The Regional Council for North Canterbury is responsible for managing and maintaining fishing and hunting assets within the NC region, coordinating with other regions and providing input to the New Zealand Council on national issues as they impact regional delivery.

Benefits

• A rare opportunity to lead an organisation that makes a real difference to New Zealand's natural environment.

• A passionate and committed team.

• A hybrid Christchurch-based role with regular field engagement across North Canterbury.

• A work environment, dog friendly and second to none

• Competitive remuneration.

If you are interested in this role and have the right skills please contact

Adrienne Murray

HR & HS Advisor

NZC

Fish & Game New Zealand

[email protected]