Area Manager

IHC New Zealand; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Job summary

IDEA Services, based in Hamilton, NZ, seeks an experienced Area Manager to lead services across the Hamilton and Waikato South region. You will inspire and support Service Managers and staff to deliver person-centred outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities, while balancing governance, community partnerships, and sustainable operations.

You will be a key member of the regional leadership team, driving strategic direction and culturally responsive practice, with weekend on-call rotation

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams across multiple services and budgets.
• Ability to develop strategic direction and connect with community partners.
• Commitment to person-centred practice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and strengthen community connections.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, empowerment and staff development.
• Balance operational excellence with relationship-building.
• Liaise with whānau, guardians and advocates of the people we support.

Skills

People leadership

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Change leadership

Cross-cultural communication

Job description

• Exciting opportunity for an experienced and values-driven people leader.
• Full-time permanent position based in our Hamilton area office.
• $135,000 - $160,000 with personal-use work vehicle included.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

At IDEA Services, the people we support are at the heart of everything we do. We believe every person should have the opportunity to live a good life, make meaningful connections, and be valued as an active member of their community. As Area Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in making this happen every day.

About

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced and values-driven people leader who is passionate about person-centred support and creating positive outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities. Leading services across the Hamilton and Waikato South Region, you will inspire and support a team of Service Managers and support staff to deliver high-quality services that place the aspirations, choices, and wellbeing of the people we support at the forefront. You will also:

• Be a key member of the regional leadership team.
• Provide strategic direction and strengthen community connections.
• Foster a culture where people feel empowered, included, and supported to thrive.
• Balance operational excellence with genuine relationship-building.
• Ensure our services remain responsive, sustainable, and focused on what matters.
• Liaise professionally with whānau, guardians and advocates of the people we support.
• Build respectful and positive relationships cross culturally.
• Be on weekend call one out of every six weeks.

Ngā pūmanwatanga ōu | What you will bring.

Skills

The ideal person for this role will be an experienced and inspiring leader with a passion for developing and mentoring others. You’ll have strong strategic thinking skills, a continuous improvement mind set and the ability to turn vision into practical outcomes. You will also bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, resources, and operational performance.
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills.
• The ability to engage positively with the people we support, whānau, staff, and community partners.
• A commitment to person‑centred practice and supporting people to achieve their goals.
• Proven ability to lead change and solve complex problems.
• Experience building collaborative partnerships and representing an organisation within the community.
• Demonstrated awareness, sensitivity, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you.

This Is a Rewarding Opportunity To Contribute To Meaningful Work With An Organisation That Genuinely Creates Real And Lasting Change For New Zealanders Living With Intellectual Disabilities. We Offer a Supportive Work Environment Where Your Wellbeing And Professional Growth Are a Priority Along With Plenty Of Opportunity For Development And Growth. We Also Offer

• A meaningful leadership role where you can make a genuine difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.
• The opportunity to lead passionate teams committed to helping people live fulfilling and independent lives.
• A supportive, values‑led culture that prioritises people, inclusion, wellbeing, and quality.
• Competitive remuneration package including a company vehicle.
• Access to employee benefits, discounts, and long service leave

Mō mātou | About us

IDEA Services supports adults with intellectual disabilities to live in their own homes and enjoy life as part of their communities. We are New Zealand's largest provider of services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our services are founded on IHC's utter commitment for people with intellectual disabilities to have a good life and to be valued contributors to and members of their own community.

Applications close 11.55pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026.

The IHC Group is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and actively seek a diverse applicant pool. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We welcome all kinds of diversity and the different perspectives such diversity brings to our work. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.