Operations Lead - Council Business Unit (VCS)

At West Coast Regional Council, we are passionate about protecting our environment, supporting our communities, and creating a great place to live and work. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Operations Lead to join our team and help drive the successful delivery of our field programmes across the region.

This role offers an opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Council Business Unit while supporting the delivery of important conservation, biosecurity, and environmental programs across the West Coast.

About the Role

As our Operations Lead, you will provide day-to-day operational leadership across the Business Unit, ensuring field programmes are planned, resourced and delivered to a high standard.

This is a full time, 2-year fixed term role.

You will lead frontline teams, coordinate field activities, support workforce development, and foster a strong culture of health, safety and continuous improvement. You will also work closely with contractors, stakeholders, communities and internal teams to achieve positive outcomes for the West Coast.

What You will Be Doing

• Leading and supporting operational staff and field teams
• Planning and coordinating field programmes and resource deployment
• Ensuring safe work practices and compliance with statutory requirements
• Monitoring operational performance and identifying opportunities for improvement
• Supporting workforce capability, training and development
• Building positive relationships with contractors, landowners, communities and stakeholders
• Contributing to the achievement of Business Unit goals and priorities

What We Are Looking For

You will be a practical, people-focused person who can balance operational demands with strong relationship management. Being flexible is an absolute must in this role, and a good sense of humour will go a long way!

You will bring:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in field-based operational work
• A full driver licence is a requirement. A Controlled Substance Licence is desirable but the ability to get and maintain one is essential.
• Strong planning, coordination and organisational skills
• A commitment to health, safety and continuous improvement
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• The ability to make sound decisions and solve problems effectively
• Experience managing resources, contractors or operational programmes

Why Join Us?

At West Coast Regional Council, we are proud to offer meaningful work, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the region we call home.

If you are ready to lead a dedicated team and help deliver important work for the communities and environment of the West Coast, we would love to hear from you.

Applicants will be screened for this role as they apply.

To apply for this role or to read the full job description please go to our careers page: https://www.wcrc.govt.nz/council/careers/vacancies.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit