Area Manager (Rotorua)

New Zealand Government; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 153,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free life insurance

Health insurance & eyecare discounts

5 weeks annual leave

5 weeks sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Employee-led networks

Job summary

WorkSafe New Zealand in Rotorua leads an integrated Inspectorate team to deliver high-quality safety outcomes across the region. The Area Manager role balances hands-on operational delivery with coaching to strengthen capability and foster an inclusive, high-performing culture.

You’ll guide priorities using data, build strong stakeholder relationships, and support complex investigations while ensuring safe, healthy outcomes for communities nationwide.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in an operational environment.
• Strong commitment to developing people and growing capability.
• Ability to foster an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support day-to-day operational delivery across your team.
• Coach and develop kaimahi to build confidence, capability and growth.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive team culture where people can thrive.
• Set clear expectations and support others to deliver on them.
• Use data and insights to guide priorities and decision making.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with stakeholders across your area.
• Provide oversight for complex work and investigations.

Skills

People development

Team leadership

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder relationships

Regulatory knowledge

Health & safety

Job description

Lead a team making a real difference to safer outcomes for AotearoaGrow and support kaimahi to build capability and confidenceCreate an inclusive, high-performing team culture where people thriveBalance operational delivery with coaching and developmentPermanent role based in RotoruaAppointment Salary range: $152,761-$168,932About UsHe aha te mea nui o tenei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.Hello, Kia ora, Noa'ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Malo e lelei, Talofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Malo ni, Kia orana , nǐ hǎo, Kamusta.WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi comes home healthy and safe. We live by our values:Whakakotahi - we are united in a strong purposeKorero mai - we engage meaningfullyTiakina mai - we are entrusted with a duty of careAbout your team / Ko te timaYou'll lead a diverse, multidisciplinary Inspectorate team working across Rotorua and the wider region. This is a supportive, purpose-led team who care about the impact of their mahi and how they show up for each other and for the communities they serve.You'll work closely with Regional Leadership and partners across your area to deliver better health and safety outcomes, while building a culture where people feel supported, included and empowered to do their best work.About the role / O te turangaAs Area Manager, you'll guide and support an integrated Inspectorate team to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes across your area. You'll play a key role in shaping how work is prioritised and delivered, using insights and data to support good decision making and sustainable performance.This role is well suited to someone who enjoys being close to the operational heartbeat of a team, while also investing time in developing people, strengthening capability, and creating a positive, accountable and inclusive team culture.What You'll Do/ Ko tou ake mahiLead and support day-to-day operational delivery across your teamCoach and develop kaimahi to build confidence, capability and growthFoster an inclusive, supportive team culture where people can thriveSet clear expectations and support others to deliver on themUse data and insights to guide priorities and decision makingBuild strong, trusted relationships with stakeholders across your areaProvide oversight and support for complex work and investigationsCoordinate workflows and ensure work is managed effectivelyWhat You'll Bring / Ko nga pukenga ouExperience leading teams in an operational environmentA genuine passion for developing people and growing capabilityAbility to create inclusive, positive and high-performing team culturesConfidence working with stakeholders and building strong relationshipsKnowledge of health and safety or a regulatory environmentSound judgement and ability to balance people, risk and deliveryYou don't need to meet every requirement to apply, if this role excites you, we'd love to hear from you.Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.Salary range / Awhe utuThe expected appointment base salary is $152,761 -$168,932 (KiwiSaver/SSRSS employer contributions are additional). From 1 April 2026 our KiwiSaver employer contribution increased to 3.5%.We offer a range of benefits including:Free life insurance for the duration of your employmentHealth insurance & eyecare discounts$400 home workstation contribution5 weeks annual leave15 days sick leaveProfessional development opportunitiesEmployee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women's and Tu Rangatira Maori Network) as well as Enabled Network and our Multi - Ethnic Network.How to apply / Me pehea te tonoClick Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter.AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.For queries, please contact: [e-mail] Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. We believe different perspectives strengthen our mahi and help create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.Please let us know if you need any adjustments or support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.Applications close: Tuesday 17 November 2026