Operational Manager
National Leadership opportunity
Help shape the future of public access to the outdoors.
Full-time, permanent, $144,000-175,000 per annum
Beyond Recruitment is proud to partner with the Outdoor Access Commission, Herenga ā Nuku, to appoint a highly capable Operations Manager. This is a pivotal senior leadership role that helps New Zealanders experience the outdoors. If successful, you will be responsible for driving the operational strategy and nationwide delivery of the Commission’s access programmes.
The Outdoor Access Commission plays a vital role in enhancing and extending free, certain, enduring, and practical public access across the motu. With a Wellington-based team and a nationwide network of advisors, the Commission’s work is where land management, public access, policy, and community engagement intersect.
Lead work that matters to communities
As Operations Manager, you will lead the organisation's operational arm, implementing strategy, policy, and service delivery. You will:
Oversee the regional advisor network
Provide high-level operational guidance, and
Ensure consistent, high-quality responses to access issues across the motu.
This role requires a seasoned operational leader — someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, work with diverse stakeholders, and confidently lead a dispersed team.
Key responsibilities
Lead and manage the Commission’s regional advisor network, including recruitment, training, and performance.
Provide strategic and operational advice to the Chief Executive and senior leadership team.
Drive operational planning, budgeting, and implementation of nationwide access programmes.
Build and maintain strong relationships with central and local government agencies, including DOC, LINZ, councils and sector partners.
Represent the Commission at national forums and community engagements.
Lead negotiations and facilitate access opportunities across public and private land.
Support dispute resolution processes and apply consistent guidelines and procedures.
Provide leadership that contributes to a positive, high-performing organisational culture.
About you
You will bring a strong blend of operational leadership, strategic capability, and relationship expertise. Your background will ideally include:
Knowledge of public access, land management, or related areas.
Senior operational leadership experience, preferably within government, regional, or public-facing environments.
Experience managing geographically dispersed teams or networks.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement operational policy.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience working with tangata whenua communities and understanding of tikanga and the significance of whenua.
Sound judgment, agility, and the ability to operate confidently in complex or ambiguous situations.
Why join the Outdoor Access Commission
This is a rare opportunity to step into a role with national impact—shaping how New Zealanders access and enjoy the outdoors. You will work with a committed team, a clear purpose, and a mandate that genuinely contributes to the wellbeing of communities across Aotearoa.
Applications close 20 February 2026, though we may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications.
Please APPLY below, and if you would like further information, please contact Ryan Wilson at Beyond Recruitment. Ryan.wilson@beyond.co.nz or 021194251
