OPERATIONS MANAGER

Job Description : OPERATIONS MANAGER AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND Open to International candidates This senior position offers you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by overseeing daily operations & supporting strategic goals across HR, administration, communications, compliance, planning, & finance. Reporting directly to the Trade Commissioner, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency & business continuity while collaborating with Programme Team Leaders to drive high standards of organisational planning and reporting. As Operations Manager you will be responsible for driving operational excellence across all facets of the organisation. Your day-to-day activities will involve managing human resources functions such as recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, policy updates, disciplinary processes, travel approvals, remuneration reviews, and leave management. You will also take charge of preparing annual implementation plans in collaboration with key team members to ensure strategic alignment. Insurance management will fall under your remit alongside developing engagement strategies that foster strong relationships with stakeholders. Training plan development is another critical aspect of your role as you support staff growth. Coordination of meetings related to the Forum Secretariat will require your attention along with drafting service agreements. Oversee all aspects of human resources management including recruitment processes, onboarding new staff members, supporting disciplinary procedures, reviewing travel requests, coordinating annual performance reviews, and collaborating on HR strategic plans. Support the review and update of organisational policies and procedures biannually while assisting in remuneration review exercises and approving staff leave. Prepare annual implementation plans in consultation with Programme Team Leaders, Finance and Administration Support Officer, and the Trade Commissioner to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Manage insurance policies covering office assets, motor vehicles, workers' compensation, and travel requirements for staff. Co-develop an Engagement Strategy aimed at strengthening partnerships with clients, customers, stakeholders, host governments, and other relevant parties through coordinated approaches. Develop comprehensive training plans for staff to enhance skills and support ongoing professional development within the organisation. Coordinate Forum Secretariat-related meetings in Auckland by preparing service agreements and non-disclosure agreements for stakeholders as required. Organise regular staff meetings by setting agendas and ensuring timely submission of minutes for audit compliance purposes. Manage the Business Continuity Plan to maintain relevance and oversee capital work projects as needed. Prepare written papers and presentations for the Trade Commissioner while compiling six-monthly and annual reports; oversee Pacific Focus stories including editing and vetting content for clearance; prepare quarterly reports for both local contribution and global network reporting. What you bring: At least 18 years of relevant financial experience demonstrating advanced budget design and implementation capabilities. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in middle management roles showcasing proven track record in achieving business outcomes within complex organisations. Sound knowledge of administration duties coupled with exposure to enterprise software systems; advanced proficiency in Excel is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability in human resource disciplines including thorough understanding of labour laws and leave entitlements. Excellent English communication skills both oral and written enabling effective interaction across diverse cultural backgrounds. Mature tendencies with willingness to perform consistently at high standards; intuitive approach combined with practical thinking abilities. Ability to collaborate effectively with team members from Pacific cultural backgrounds fostering an inclusive workplace environment. Proactive attitude towards taking initiative supported by outstanding achievement history in exceeding business objectives and meeting deadlines. Project management experience evidenced by successful delivery of multi-faceted projects within multicultural settings. Well-developed judgement skills paired with discretion required for handling confidential information appropriately.

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