Mō te tūnga | About the role
This is a senior leadership role and a significant opportunity to contribute to our community. The residence provides a safe, secure environment for young people who are in residential care. It is a place of support, learning, and transformation.
As the Senior Responsible Manager, you will hold ultimate operational authority for a site with up to 200 staff and 46 young people in care. This is a hands-on, outward-facing role in a complex, 24/7 environment, one where your leadership will be felt every day by your kaimahi and by the young people in your care.
The residence has been through a sustained period of challenge and has undergone significant stabilisation work over the past 12-18 months. There is real momentum to build on: new initiatives are underway, practice has been strengthened, and the infrastructure and leadership support are increasingly better positioned. There is still meaningful work ahead, and this is a great opportunity for someone who is energised by leading through challenge and continuing to drive lasting change.
You will sit at the bridge between executive leadership and the frontline, translating strategy into practice and building the culture, systems, and capability that will sustain ongoing improvement. You will also build strong community and iwi partnerships, and ensure the residence remains outward-facing and connected.
Ngā haepapa matua | Key responsibilities
- Hold ultimate operational and business authority for the site, setting clear expectations and non-negotiable safety standards
- Lead large, diverse teams through transformation, embedding new processes, policies, and a high-performance culture
- Drive compliance with legislative requirements and maintain robust monitoring frameworks
- Oversee financial, staffing, and asset management in line with business plans and KPIs
- Build and maintain strong relationships with iwi, community organisations, health, education, and other key agencies
- Partner with other leaders to deliver on the residence’s strategic direction
- Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and genuine care for young people and staff
Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
- Proven General Manager or senior leadership experience in leading complex, large-scale operations
- A leadership style that combines empathy with accountability; you hold high standards without losing humanity
- Demonstrated experience leading teams through significant transformation and change
- Strong commercial and financial acumen; you are comfortable with budgets, reporting, and performance frameworks
- Experience managing risk and compliance in high-pressure, politically sensitive environments
- Cultural competence, including knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples’ culture
- A genuine commitment to positive outcomes for young people and their whānau
- Experience in social services, residential care, corrections, health, or a similarly complex human services environment would be advantageous, though is not essential
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
This is a compelling opportunity for someone who is energised by complexity and contribution. The progress already made creates a genuine foundation, and the person who steps into this role will have the authority, the support, and the opportunity to make a lasting mark.
A competitive step-based remuneration package is offered, with annual progression. The organisation is committed to the wellbeing, development, and growth of its people, and offers flexible work options and significant investment in training and professional development.