Date: 21 Apr 2025
Location: Auckland Wide, NZ, 1010
Company: Auckland Council

Head of Operations – Pools and Leisure
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Auckland Council’s Pools and Leisure plays a key role in the health, wellbeing and vibrancy of communities across our city. We’re committed to delivering inclusive, accessible, and high-quality services that support active lifestyles, community connection, and local identity.

We are now seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Operations to join our senior leadership team. This is a full-time, permanent role reporting to the General Manager Pools & Leisure.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for leading the operational delivery of Council-operated pools and leisure centres across your allocated regions. You will lead strategically, drive performance, and foster collaboration across teams, Local Boards, and the wider Council whānau.

This is a key leadership position with a strong focus on customer outcomes, staff engagement, operational efficiency, and strategic delivery. You will coach and develop a high-performing team of Centre Managers to ensure consistently high standards of service delivery and operational excellence, ensuring our facilities meet the evolving needs of Aucklanders now and into the future.

He kōrero mōu: About you
You are an experienced and passionate strategic leader with a deep understanding of multi-site service operations and delivery in a customer-focused environment. With exceptional people leadership skills and proven commercial acumen, you’re driven to achieve strategic outcomes and build high-performing, empowered teams.

You’re a confident communicator and relationship builder who thrives in complex environments and understands the importance of collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including local boards, mana whenua, and community groups.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A tertiary qualification in Business, Sport and Recreation, or a relevant community discipline
• At least 10 years’ experience in senior operational leadership roles, ideally in a large, multidisciplinary or complex organisation
• Demonstrated success in leading large customer-facing teams across multiple sites
• Strong experience in financial, risk, and resource management
• A strong commitment to advancing te ao Māori and supporting Māori outcomes

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You’ll join a passionate and values-driven team committed to building stronger, healthier communities. At Auckland Council, you’ll be empowered to lead change and shape the future of recreation and wellbeing in Aotearoa’s largest city.

In return for your leadership, we offer:

• A flexible and supportive work environment - This is a hybrid position
• Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• A diverse and inclusive workplace where you can thrive
• Access to a range of benefits, including discounted Leisure Centre membership
• Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini –
• My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!
Target Salary Range: $167k - 197k depending on experience
Application closes: Sunday 4th May 2025 at 23:59
Position Description: Head of Operation

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

This position is deemed a safety sensitive position. As such applicants will be required to undergo police vetting a prior to commencing employment.