General Manager

Platinum Recruitment; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust in Dunedin seeks an exceptional General Manager to lead the organisation into its next chapter. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where reporting to the Board Chair, you will guide staff and frontline operations across Dunedin and the wider region.

You will shape strategy, oversee budgets and fundraising, and build strong partnerships with funders, sponsors and government agencies while upholding lived-experience principles and an inclusive

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership or general management experience.
• Experience leading not-for-profit organisations.
• Ability to secure funding and sponsorships.
• Strong governance and reporting capabilities.
• Experience working with boards and diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of staff and volunteers.
• Oversee budgets, reporting and financial performance.
• Drive fundraising, sponsorship and diversified income streams.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with funders, sponsors and government agencies.
• Provide strategic direction and governance to deliver community impact.

Skills

Senior leadership

Financial acumen

Fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Board governance

Not-for-profit experience

Job description

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Platinum Recruitment – Dunedin, South Island

Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust

supports people experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, distress and isolation through peer-led services, advocacy, education and community connection.

Guided by lived experience, human rights, equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the organisation is dedicated to strengthening wellbeing and creating hope across our community.

We're seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. Reporting directly to the Board Chair, you'll lead a committed team, drive financial sustainability, build strong stakeholder relationships and ensure Life Matters continues to deliver meaningful impact across Dunedin and the wider region. You'll be just as comfortable meeting with funders and corporate sponsors as you are rolling up your sleeves to support staff and frontline operations when needed.

Leadership & People

• Lead, develop and support a high-performing team of staff and volunteers.
• Foster a positive, safe and inclusive workplace culture.
• Provide practical support and step in when required to assist peer led frontline services.
• Champion the values, peer support philosophy and lived-experience principles of Life Matters.

Financial Sustainability

• Manage organisational budgets, financial performance and reporting.
• Drive fundraising, sponsorship and funding initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with funders and corporate partners.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the Trust's long-term financial resilience.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as an advocate for Life Matters across the community.
• Develop strong partnerships with funders, sponsors, government agencies, NGOs and community organisations.
• Enhance the organisation's profile and reputation across the region.

Governance & Strategy

• Work closely with the Board Chair and Board to deliver organisational goals.
• Provide regular reporting, advice and strategic insight.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen services, systems and community impact.

You'll bring:

• Proven senior leadership or general management experience.
• An understanding of peer led systems.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting and funding management.
• Success securing funding, sponsorships and developing sustainable income streams.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with boards, community organisations, funders or the not-for-profit sector.
• A collaborative leadership style and a genuine commitment to people and community outcomes.

Applicants must have a valid work visa, permanent residency or NZ citizenship to be considered.

Platinum Recruitment is proud to be a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion and believes in equal opportunities for all. We actively promote diversity and inclusion in all our recruitment processes.