Operations Manager - Waihōpai Rūnaka

Operations Manager

Permanent, Full Time

Invercargill / Murihiku

Lead the day-to-day operations of Waihōpai Rūnaka Inc and Murihiku Marae and help support the delivery of operational priorities for the Rūnaka.

• Bring together people, facilities, systems, communications, supplier relationships, financial oversight, and administration in a role with real community impact
• Join a values-driven environment where tikaka, whanaukataka, and strong operational leadership are equally important.

Waihōpai Rūnaka Inc is seeking an experienced and values-led Operations Manager to support the smooth and effective day-to-day operations of the Rūnaka and Murihiku Marae. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity for someone who can bring strong operational leadership, sound judgement, and a deep commitment to kaupapa Māori, Kāi Tahutaka and tikaka-based practice.

About The Role

Reporting to the CEO, the Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the Rūnaka and marae operate effectively, efficiently, and in a way that reflects the values and aspirations of Waihōpai Rūnaka. You will provide leadership across operational planning, facilities management, procurement, communications, systems, compliance, reporting, people leadership, and health and safety, while supporting kaimahi and volunteers to deliver high-quality outcomes.

• Lead Rūnaka administration, office systems, bookings, hui coordination, event logistics, and day-to-day operational delivery.
• Oversee facilities management, supplier relationships, procurement processes, operational budgets, reporting quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support Executive priorities, organisational planning, compliance, risk management, and health and safety practices.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and oversight to kaimahi, office staff and volunteers.
• Ensure communications, stakeholder relationships, pānui, website and social media channels are managed effectively and appropriately.
• Model leadership grounded in tikaka and support cultural confidence across the team.

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in operations management, facilities management, office management, or organisational coordination across multiple functions.
• Strong people leadership capability, including setting priorities, delegating work, coaching others, and supporting performance.
• Excellent communication, organisation, problem-solving, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working in a kaupapa Māori, marae, iwi, community-based, or values-led environment would be an advantage.
• Sound judgement, financial literacy, and confidence improving systems, workflows, processes, and service delivery.
• A commitment to te reo Māori, tikaka Māori, Kāi Tahutaka, and values-led leadership.

Why join Waihōpai Rūnaka?

This is an opportunity to contribute to a role that is both operationally significant and deeply connected to whānau, community, culture, and identity. If you are a capable and grounded leader who thrives in a kaupapa Māori environment and can balance operational oversight with day-to-day delivery, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to Waihōpai Rūnaka and Murihiku Marae.

If you would like to play a key role in supporting the ongoing strength and success of Waihōpai Rūnaka, we would welcome your application.

Please forward your CV and cover letter outlining your skills, knowledge and experience to ***email_hidden*** by 5.00pm, 24 July 2026. Applications will be considered as they are received, and we may interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date.