General Manager

BDO in New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO in New Zealand in Wellington seeks an experienced General Manager to lead operations, finance, risk, people and culture, technology and strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Managing Partner, you will partner with the Executive Committee and Partners to drive growth and ensure the firm runs smoothly.

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on management, offering scope to influence at senior levels, shape the employee experience, and deliver measurable business outcomes in a

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a General Manager or senior leadership role.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Experience leading multifaceted operational or corporate services functions.
• Exceptional stakeholder management to influence senior leaders.
• Experience driving business improvement and organisational effectiveness.
• Knowledge of governance, risk, compliance and business operations.
• Experience in professional services, consulting, accounting, legal, or similar environment is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Managing Partner, Executive Committee and Partners to deliver the firm's strategic objectives and drive business performance.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the firm, ensuring efficient, effective and sustainable business practices.
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to the Corporate Services team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Oversee governance, quality, risk and compliance frameworks to ensure the firm meets its regulatory and professional obligations.
• Support financial planning, budgeting, reporting and performance monitoring across the business.
• Deliver meaningful business insights and recommendations to support executive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Partner with People & Culture to drive recruitment, retention, employee engagement and organisational effectiveness initiatives.
• Oversee technology, facilities, supplier relationships and key business support functions to ensure operational excellence
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Partners, Directors, staff, BDO New Zealand and external stakeholders.
• Champion strategic projects and business improvement initiatives that support the firm's ongoing growth, performance and success.

Skills

General Manager experience

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Operations leadership

Job description

Lead the operations, people and strategy that power one of Wellington's leading professional services firms

• Executive-level role with significant organisational influence
• Lead operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives
• Work closely with Partners and senior business leaders

Be Your Best at BDO

At BDO, our culture is built on strong relationships, collaboration and trust. As one of the world's leading accounting and advisory organisations, we help businesses and individuals achieve their goals through practical advice, genuine partnerships and exceptional service.

We're looking for an experienced General Manager to join our Wellington office and play a pivotal leadership role in supporting the firm's continued growth, performance and success. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, this is a unique opportunity to influence strategic direction while leading the operational functions that keep our business running smoothly.

The Opportunity

As General Manager, you will work alongside the Managing Partner, Executive Committee and Partners to drive the firm's strategic objectives, enhance operational performance and create an outstanding employee experience. You'll oversee a broad portfolio spanning operations, finance, risk, people and culture, technology and strategic initiatives, while leading our Corporate Services team.

This role offers the perfect blend of strategic leadership and hands-on operational management, making it ideal for someone who enjoys influencing at a senior level while delivering tangible business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Managing Partner, Executive Committee and Partners to deliver the firm's strategic objectives and drive business performance.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the firm, ensuring efficient, effective and sustainable business practices.
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to the Corporate Services team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Oversee governance, quality, risk and compliance frameworks to ensure the firm meets its regulatory and professional obligations.
• Support financial planning, budgeting, reporting and performance monitoring across the business.
• Deliver meaningful business insights and recommendations to support executive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Partner with People & Culture to drive recruitment, retention, employee engagement and organisational effectiveness initiatives.
• Oversee technology, facilities, supplier relationships and key business support functions to ensure operational excellence
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Partners, Directors, staff, BDO New Zealand and external stakeholders.
• Champion strategic projects and business improvement initiatives that support the firm's ongoing growth, performance and success.

What We're Looking For

You'll be a commercially astute leader who can confidently operate across both strategic and operational matters.

You'll likely bring:

• Significant experience in a General Manager, Operations Manager, Practice Manager or senior leadership role.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Experience leading multifaceted operational or corporate services functions.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Experience driving business improvement, performance and organisational effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk, compliance and business operations.
• Previous experience within professional services, consulting, accounting, legal or a similar environment would be highly regarded.

Why BDO?

At BDO, we'll make your growth our priority.

You'll join a firm where people genuinely care about each other, where relationships matter and where you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of the business.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• A genuine leadership role with broad organisational influence.
• Direct access to senior decision-makers and Partners.
• A collaborative and values-driven culture.
• Opportunities to contribute to strategic business initiatives.
• Professional development and ongoing career growth.
• Modern Wellington offices and a supportive team environment.

You must currently be based in New Zealand and hold permanent work rights to be considered for this position.