Operations Director

Manuka Health; Waikato; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Mānuka Health in New Zealand is seeking an visionary Operations Director to lead end-to-end operations from beekeeping to packing and global distribution. Based in Te Awamutu, Waikato, you will translate strategy into operational execution, champion safety and continuous improvement, and build high‑performing teams across functions to deliver on commitments.

This role shapes sustainable practices and drives impact for a globally recognised brand.

Qualifications

• Leads with enterprise mindset and authentic leadership.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to solve complex challenges.
• Models accountability and inspires results.
• Champions innovation and a learning culture.
• Proven experience in operational strategy development and execution at scale.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic direction into operational execution across Supply Chain, Apiculture, Health & Safety, and Customer Service.
• Champion continuous improvement, risk management, and operational governance while ensuring customer commitments are delivered.
• Build high-performing teams that foster accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Act as the executive owner of Health & Safety, embedding a proactive safety culture.
• Drive environmentally sustainable practices aligned with company values.

Job description

Lead, Innovate, and Inspire!

Mānuka Health is on a mission to become the leading Mānuka honey company globally, powered by a high-performing team of passionate individuals and approximately 1.5 billion bees.

At the heart of their success is a culture of care for people, products, communities, and the planet.

As part of their ambitious growth strategy, Mānuka Health is seeking an exceptional Operations Director to join their Senior Executive Team.

This pivotal role will lead operational functions across their vertically integrated business - from beekeeping and land management to extraction, processing, packing, testing, and delivering trusted New Zealand bee products to over 45 countries worldwide.

About the Role

As Operations Director, you will:

• Translate strategic direction into operational execution across Supply Chain, Apiculture, Health & Safety, and Customer Service.
• Champion continuous improvement, risk management, and operational governance while ensuring customer commitments are consistently delivered.
• Build high-performing teams that foster accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Act as the executive owner of Health & Safety, embedding a proactive safety culture that protects employees, contractors, visitors, and customers.
• Drive environmentally sustainable practices aligned with Manuka Health's values.

What You'll Bring

The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who:

• Leads with an enterprise mindset and builds trust through authentic leadership.
• Thrives in solving complex challenges collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Models accountability and inspires others to achieve results.
• Champions innovation and fosters a culture of learning.
• Has proven experience in operational strategy development and execution at scale.

Why Join Mānuka Health?

• You'll be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to bettering people and the planet.
• You'll work in a dynamic environment where your ideas matter and your leadership drives meaningful change.
• You'll have the opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to New Zealand's globally recognised Mānuka honey industry.

Location

This role is set to be based in Te Awamutu, Waikato, offering the chance to work in one of New Zealand's most vibrant rural hubs while driving global impact.

Values

At Mānuka Health, we live by our values:

• Collaborate & Succeed Together
• Care Deeply
• Be Extraordinary
• Deliver Excellence

If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and help shape the future of Mānuka Health, we'd love to hear from you.