Manager Operations

Marketplace; Wellington; On-site; NZD 116,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Internal Affairs in Wellington is seeking a Manager Operations to lead a frontline regulatory team delivering gambling licensing, compliance and casino oversight. You will provide strong operational leadership, apply risk-based approaches, and drive performance using data and regulatory insight.

You will develop people, set priorities, and work with stakeholders to strengthen regulatory practice and minimise gambling-related harm.

Qualifications

• Has proven operational leadership experience within a regulatory environment.
• Has experience leading, developing and motivating frontline teams.
• Has strong knowledge of New Zealand gambling legislation and regulatory practice.
• Can think strategically while delivering high-quality operational outcomes.
• Has experience driving change, continuous improvement and innovative business practices.
• Uses data and insight to set priorities and allocate resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead a frontline regulatory team delivering gambling licensing and compliance.
• Provide strong operational leadership and set priorities.
• Drive performance using data and regulatory insight.
• Work with stakeholders to strengthen regulatory practice and minimise harm.
• Develop staff and lead change initiatives.

Skills

Operational leadership

Team leadership

Gambling law

Strategic thinking

Change management

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder influence

Communication skills

Job description

# Manager Operations at Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**About Us | Mō mātou'**'The **Regulatory and Identity Services | Taituarā** branch leads critical regulatory systems that impact people across New Zealand every day. We work where innovation, integrity and public trust meet to protect communities by making our digital environments safe and staying ahead of emerging risks.'The Department of Internal Affairs is establishing a new regulator to deliver the framework introduced through the Online Casino Gambling Bill. For the first time, this will create a licensing and regulatory framework for online casino gambling in New Zealand.'The Online Gambling Team is a new team within the Regulatory Services Group. It will regulate online gambling in New Zealand, working at pace, collaborating domestically and internationally, and bring together expertise across a range of disciplines.'**The role | Te tūnga'**'As Manager Operations, you'll lead a frontline regulatory team responsible for delivering gambling licensing, compliance and casino compliance activity. You'll provide strong operational leadership, ensuring responsive, risk-based regulatory approaches are applied consistently and the Gambling Directorate delivers on its regulatory responsibilities.You'll lead and develop your people, set operational priorities and drive performance while using evidence, data and regulatory insight to inform decisions. Working closely with other leaders and stakeholders, you'll also support continuous improvement, lead change and strengthen regulatory practice to help minimise gambling-related harm.The position is available to **Wellington-based candidates only**, with an appointing range of **$116,055 to $144,424**.**What you bring | Nōu te rourou*** Has proven operational leadership experience within a regulatory environment, preferably gambling regulation* Has experience leading, developing and motivating high-performing frontline teams* Brings strong knowledge of New Zealand gambling legislation, regulation and regulatory practice* Can think strategically while delivering high-quality operational outcomes* Has experience driving change, continuous improvement and innovative business practices* Uses data, evidence and insight to set priorities, allocate resources and make sound decisions* Builds strong relationships and can influence confidently across diverse stakeholder groups* Has excellent communication, planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills**For you |'Mōu'**Here in Regulatory Services, staff have access to a range of professional development opportunities, excellent technology support, and the opportunity to work with subject matter that is interesting, challenging, and has a real-world impact.We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access.Applications close: **5pm 29 November.** To review the full job description, please'click here.If you have any questions, please email Clare O'Connor - clare.o'[e-mail]## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Department of Internal Affairs || Location: | Wellington || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | Managers || Date listed: | 11-Nov-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 29-Nov-2026 || Reference: | 1003111\\_1794364145 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | http://www.dia.govt.nz |