This is a new leadership opportunity with real scale, visibility and impact. As Operations Strategy & Delivery Manager, you will lead a large, multi‑disciplinary frontline workforce and implement commercial operating practices that lift performance, strengthen accountability and deliver sustainable, high‑quality services for Napier.

You are accountable for transforming frontline operations into a modern, disciplined and financially sustainable operating model. This means translating council strategy, service plans and community expectations into clear, achievable delivery plans—and ensuring services are delivered at the right cost, to the right standard, every day.

With a broad and highly visible portfolio—including sportsgrounds, open spaces, commercial and public cleaning services, and plant and warehouse assets—you will set clear expectations of “what good looks like”, drive consistent performance, and clearly demonstrate the value of frontline services to asset owners, decision‑makers and the community.

This role balances strategic leadership with practical delivery. You will strengthen performance management, systems and reporting, embed commercial discipline into day‑to‑day operations, and lead change in a way that builds capability, confidence and pride across the frontline—while keeping services reliable, visible and effective.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead a large, diverse frontline workforce and create a culture of pride, accountability and safety

• Translate strategy into practical, achievable operational plans that work on the ground

• Set clear expectations of performance and presentation, and support leaders to deliver consistently

• Strengthen planning, performance measurement and reporting to improve transparency and decision-making

• Apply a commercial lens to balance cost, risk, service levels and long-term sustainability

• Lead operational input into contracts and service models to ensure clarity on cost, scope and outcomes

• Build strong relationships with asset owners, partners and internal teams to deliver services end‑to‑end

• Lead transformation and continuous improvement, embedding fit‑for‑purpose systems and ways of working

• Guide teams through change with calm, visible leadership that builds capability and confidence

He kōrero mōhou - About You

You’re a senior operational leader who is comfortable leading at scale and making tough trade‑offs when resources are constrained. You understand the true cost of service delivery and how frontline work is experienced by communities.

You bring:

• Proven experience leading large or complex operational teams, ideally in asset‑intensive environments

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with confidence balancing cost, risk and service outcomes

• Experience modernising service models and strengthening performance accountability

• A clear, practical communication style that connects frontline delivery to outcomes and value

• The ability to bring structure and clarity to evolving or complex environments

• Calm, steady leadership through change, uncertainty and scrutiny

• A collaborative, relationship‑driven approach that builds trust across teams and partners

• A continuous improvement mindset—focused on making things simpler, clearer and more effective

Above all, you are a capable, grounded people leader. You develop strong operational leaders, lead with integrity, and create environments where teams feel supported, clear on expectations, and proud of what they deliver.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service

• Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy

• Retailer discounts + study assistance

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

If you’re motivated by modernising operations, leading visible services at scale, and delivering outcomes communities can see and trust—this is a rare opportunity to shape how Napier experiences its city, every day.

This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is $141,831 - $166,861 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Operations Strategy & Delivery Manager