Operations Manager

Te Kāhu Tiu is a land-based therapeutic and vocational day programme supporting rangatahi tāne in the youth justice system to reconnect with their identity, build resilience and create positive futures. From a 35-hectare property in Reikorangi Valley, our programme brings together therapy, land-based mahi, education, cultural connection and whānau engagement to help rangatahi step into their mana and realise their potential.
 
The opportunity
 
This is a unique opportunity to join a growing organisation at an important stage in its development. 
 
As Operations Manager, you will be the person who keeps Te Kāhu Tiu running effectively behind the scenes, allowing the programme team to focus on rangatahi and programme delivery. This broad, hands-on role ensures Te Kāhu Tiu remains compliant, safe, financially well administered and operationally effective, while building practical systems that can scale as the organisation grows.
 
The role works closely with the Programme Director and Programme Manager, supports the Board on governance, finance and compliance matters, and directly manages Drivers and Peer Support Workers. This is a hands-on role - you will do most of the work yourself, only drawing on external specialists where necessary e.g. for defined accounting, legal, HR, IT and health and safety support.
 
About you
 
You are a practical and highly organised generalist who takes pride in getting things done. You are comfortable managing competing priorities, working independently and moving between broader organisational needs and detailed administration.
 
You may currently work in a charity, NGO, community or iwi organisation, social services environment, school, or another regulated setting where you have personally managed a broad operational portfolio.
 
The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience across at least two of the following areas: operational administration, compliance or quality assurance, health and safety, HR and people management, finance oversight, or grant writing
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities independently
• Experience working with external stakeholders, contractors, funders or government agencies
• Confidence using business systems and cloud-based platforms such as Xero
• An understanding of safeguarding, children's sector requirements, accreditation or quality frameworks, or the ability to build capability in these areas quickly
• Sound judgement, initiative and strong follow-through
• A collaborative and relationship-focused approach, with alignment to our values and kaupapa.

Why join Te Kāhu Tiu?

• Be part of an innovative kaupapa that is changing lives
• Help shape a model that has the potential to influence national system change
• Work alongside passionate, values-driven people
• Enjoy genuine autonomy and ownership across a varied portfolio
• Contribute to an organisation with strong governance and ambitions for future growth
• Work in the stunning Reikorangi Valley environment
• See the direct impact of your work through the progress and success of rangatahi and their whānau

Apply now
 
If you are looking for a hands-on role where your operational expertise can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.
 
Please submit your cover letter and CV by 9am Monday 19 October 2026.
 
To request a copy of the position description, contact Moana Temel at Niche Recruitment:
M: [021 499 902](tel:021 499 902)
E: [email protected]