Maritime Operations Manager

RealNZ; Bluff; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Season pass (Cardrona/Treble Cone)

Staff discounts on adventures

Job summary

RealNZ is seeking a Maritime Operations Manager to lead vessel operations, ensure compliance with maritime regulations, and manage a skilled Launch Masters team. The role focuses on safety, efficiency, and delivering memorable guest experiences on the water.

You will drive continuous improvement, collaborate across departments, and coordinate with the Asset team to align vessel readiness with operational needs. A strong leadership and regulatory background is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in maritime or operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of Maritime NZ regulations, MTOP/MOSS frameworks, and vessel operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in workforce planning and operational resource management.
• Skilled in coaching, performance management, and team development.
• Highly organised with strong problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the seamless execution of RealNZ's maritime operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and internal standards.
• Coordinate with the Asset team to align vessel readiness with operational needs.
• Support workforce planning, crewing, and daily execution.
• Drive continuous improvement and foster a high-performing team culture.
• Deliver safe, efficient, and memorable guest experiences on the water.

Skills

Maritime leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Change management

Communication skills

Workforce planning

Team development

Problem solving

Job description

Lead the way in maritime excellence with RealNZ.

We're on the lookout for a dynamic and experienced Maritime Operations Manager to take the helm of our vessel operations. If you're passionate about maritime safety, operational excellence, and leading high-performing teams in a guest-focused environment, this is your opportunity to make waves.

As Maritime Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for the seamless execution of RealNZ's maritime operations. You'll ensure compliance with all maritime regulations, lead a skilled team of Launch Masters, and collaborate across departments to deliver safe, efficient, and memorable experiences on the water.

You’ll lead the safe and efficient delivery of RealNZ's maritime operations, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and internal standards. You’ll coordinate closely with the Asset team to align vessel readiness with operational needs, while supporting workforce planning, crewing, and daily execution. Your leadership will drive continuous improvement, foster a high-performing team culture, and ensure our operations consistently deliver safe, seamless, and memorable guest experiences.

What You'll Bring

• Proven leadership experience in maritime or operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of Maritime NZ regulations, MTOP/MOSS frameworks, and vessel operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in workforce planning and operational resource management.
• Skilled in coaching, performance management, and team development.
• Highly organised with strong problem-solving abilities.

What's in it for you?

• Permanent Full-Time role
• Medical insurance included in your remuneration package
• Enjoy some incredible staff perks! Along with a FREE Cardrona/Treble Cone season pass, bring a friend along to experience RealNZ's unforgettable adventures at a fantastic discount. Explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, cruise Milford and Doubtful Sound, dine at Walter Peak and discover Rakiura. It's an amazing opportunity to experience the best of New Zealand without breaking the bank

Real People, Real Places, Real Experiences. Welcome To Real.

When's the best time to join the Real whānau? Now's good.

We're the conservation business that's enabled by tourism. We're helping the world, one guest at a time, fall in love with conservation. We're inspiring people to leave their places in better conditions than when they found them. We channel a guest-centric approach that fuels our genuine promise to deliver Aotearoa's most unforgettable experiences.

It's our workplace environment that makes careers at RealNZ more exciting than the regular job. Working for Real could mean you're based anywhere between a secluded island, a scenic fiord, and a snow-capped maunga. Our people, places, and workdays are a great and diverse mixture. It keeps us on our toes and adds value and passion to our work.

At RealNZ, we're committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Guided by our values of Pono (Keep it real) and He waka eke noa (We're all in this together), we embrace and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that make our team stronger. Everyone is welcome here.

Location(s): Bluff, Doubtful Sound, Manapouri, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Stewart Island