Lightfoot Operations Manager

The Lightfoot Initiative; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

The Lightfoot Initiative is a local charity focused on making it easier, safer and more appealing for people in our district to walk, cycle, share rides and use public transport. We seek an experienced Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations, manage a small team and drive our 20-hour-a-week programme with evening and weekend commitments.

You will oversee programmes, campaigns and partnerships, ensuring delivery on budget and to funder commitments, while implementing strong health and

Qualifications

• Senior experience in operational delivery, ideally in a not-for-profit, community or programme environment.
• A people leader who brings energy, clarity and care to a small team.
• Confident managing budgets, programmes and day-to-day operations.
• Highly organised and confident with systems and technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of Lightfoot and line-manage a small team.
• Oversee delivery of programmes and campaigns to meet KPIs and funders.
• Manage budgets and support financial reporting, risk management and compliance.
• Run people processes such as recruitment, induction, training and performance reviews.

Skills

People leadership

Budget management

Health & safety

Community engagement

Event coordination

Not-for-profit experience

Job description

The Lightfoot Initiative is a local charity working to make it easier, safer and more appealing for people in our district to walk, bike, scoot, share rides and use public transport. We run community programmes, events and education. We also bring together the people and organisations needed to change how our communities move around.

In 2025 we launched an ambitious ten-year strategy built on four pillars: Inspire, Engage, Connect and Sustain. We're now looking for an experienced Operations Manager to help us deliver it.

Role Description

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you'll lead the day-to-day running of Lightfoot and make sure our work programme is delivered well, on time and within budget. You'll line manage a small team, including our Events Coordinator and OneBike Lead, and oversee our contractors and volunteers.

The role combines strong operational leadership with hands‑on community engagement. Alongside the wider team, you'll get out into the community, building relationships and supporting our events. It's a 20-hour-a-week role with flexibility, but it does include some evening and weekend work for community events and bi‑monthly Board meetings.

You'll be:

• Leading, motivating and developing a small, diverse team, and growing our volunteer base
• Overseeing delivery of our programmes and campaigns so they meet our KPIs and our commitments to funders
• Managing budgets and supporting the CE with financial reporting, risk management and compliance
• Running people processes such as recruitment, induction, training and performance reviews
• Working alongside the team to build relationships with residents, schools, businesses and partners, and supporting our events
• Leading health and safety across our people, events and activities
• Building strong relationships with our wider community partners and stakeholders
• Finding ways to improve our systems and processes as we grow

About you:

• Senior experience in operational delivery, ideally in a not-for-profit, community or programme environment
• A people leader who brings energy, clarity and care to a small team
• Confident managing budgets, programmes and day-to-day operations
• Highly organised and confident with systems and technology
• Confident putting yourself out there: you enjoy meeting people, starting conversations and building relationships across the community
• Comfortable presenting and speaking at events
• Flexible about when you work, including some evenings and weekends
• An excellent communicator who works well with a wide range of people
• Strong cultural competence and a commitment to equitable outcomes for Māori and all communities
• A self-starter with drive, integrity and adaptability
• A genuine passion for active travel, sustainability and positive community change

Why Lightfoot?

This is a chance to shape how one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts moves. You'll join a small, committed team where your work makes a visible difference. We support flexible working and operate a welcoming and inclusive team culture.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.