Operations Manager

Driving Miss Daisy St Albans; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local companion driving service is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations, manage driver teams, ensure compliance with safety and service standards, and support community growth in Christchurch, New Zealand. Ideal candidates will possess strong management skills, a caring attitude towards clients, and relevant experience in service-based industries.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in management in a service-based industry.
• Ability to obtain necessary driver endorsements.
• Experience in transportation or aged care sectors preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist Franchise Owner in daily operations and client management.
• Manage driver schedules and performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and service standards.

Skills

Management experience

Compassionate attitude

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Self-motivated

Education

Degree or diploma in business, social work, or related field

Tools

Business software proficiency

Job description

Key Responsibilities

The Operations Manager assists the Franchise Owner with the day-to-day operational management of the Driving Miss Daisy St Albans franchise. This role ensures the efficient and high-quality delivery of companion driving services to clients, manages the team of drivers, and supports the overall growth of the business in the local community. The successful candidate will be a compassionate, organised, and self-motivated individual who is passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives.

Driver and Team Management

• Manage driver schedules, assigning jobs based on client needs and driver availability.
• Provide ongoing support, coaching, and performance management to the driver team.
• Ensure all drivers have the necessary qualifications, including a p-endorsement, First Aid certification, and up-to-date police vetting.
• Assist with the recruitment and onboarding of new "Daisy Drivers," ensuring they meet all company and regulatory requirements.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Maintain accurate records of all client bookings, driver hours, and financial transactions.
• Work with the national Head Office and the Franchise Owner to ensure compliance with all brand standards and administrative procedures.
• Assist in managing the franchise budget and financial performance, focusing on cost-effective operations.
• Handle administrative duties related to ACC and Total Mobility invoicing and claims.

Client and Service Management

• Assist the Franchise Owner with daily client bookings and schedules, ensuring efficient and timely service delivery.
• Ensure all services—including door-to-door transport, companion assistance, and ACC/Total Mobility services—are delivered to the highest standard of safety and care.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to ensure their satisfaction and retention.

Marketing and Business Development

• Support the franchise owners in executing local marketing and business development plans.
• Identify opportunities to connect with new clients and partners, such as aged care facilities, schools, and disability support organisations.
• Promote the brand locally and ensure all communications reflect the caring and professional image of Driving Miss Daisy.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Enforce and monitor the franchise\'s health and safety procedures to ensure the safety of both clients and drivers.
• Ensure all vehicles are well-maintained, clean, and compliant with safety regulations.
• Complete and submit regular health and safety reports to the head office.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Proven experience in a management or leadership role, preferably in a service-based industry.
• A caring, compassionate, and trustworthy attitude towards clients.
• Exceptional organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage both clients and drivers.
• Self-motivated, energetic, and enthusiastic about growing the business and serving the local community.
• Proficiency with business software and the ability to learn new applications.
• A clean New Zealand driver\'s licence and the ability to obtain the necessary endorsements.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in business, social work, or a related field is desirable, though relevant experience is highly valued.
• Experience in the aged care, disability support, or transport sectors would be beneficial.
• Willingness to undertake required training, including First Aid and Dementia Friend certification.

Hours and days

• 25 hours per week, worked over 5 days Monday to Friday
• Great role for a parent working between school drop off and pick up hours.