Operations Manager

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers; Pukekohe; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MetroHire is seeking an hands-on Operations Manager in New Zealand to lead Hire Controllers, Yard, Workshop and Washbay teams, ensuring fleet readiness and exceptional service. You’ll work at the coalface, solving problems, coordinating with customers and suppliers, and driving efficient operations.

You will manage maintenance, downtime, safety, and cost control while fostering a high-performing culture and delivering practical, customer-focused solutions across the business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operational teams in a hands-on environment.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and focus on safety and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Hire Controllers, Yard, Workshop and Washbay teams.
• Ensure equipment is cleaned, serviced, prepared and available for hire.
• Manage workshop functions, including servicing, maintenance and repairs.
• Oversee fleet maintenance and minimise downtime.
• Improve processes and workflows to increase efficiency.
• Resolve customer issues and ensure prompt hire order turnaround.
• Develop a high-performing, positive team culture.
• Collaborate with Operations, Sales and internal teams.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Communication

Problem solving

Commercial acumen

Safety awareness

Job description

MetroHire is an industry-leading equipment rental company servicing the civil construction and infrastructure industries across New Zealand. Our success comes down to our people, our equipment and, most importantly, our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers. We pride ourselves on being responsive, reliable and easy to deal with which is why our customers continue to choose MetroHire.

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead and support our Hire Controllers, Yard Managers, Workshop and Washbay teams, ensuring our operations run efficiently and our customers receive an exceptional level of service.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing role. You’ll be leading people and driving operational performance, while also regularly dealing with customers, suppliers and our internal teams. You won’t be sitting behind a desk all day – you’ll be at the coalface, solving problems, making decisions and keeping the operation moving.

The key focus of the role will be ensuring our fleet is ready when our customers need it, maintained to a high standard, and supported by a team that delivers outstanding service.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and support the Hire Controllers, Yard, Workshop and Washbay teams.

- Ensure equipment is cleaned, serviced, prepared and available for hire when required.

- Manage the workshop function, including servicing, maintenance, breakdowns and repairs.

- Oversee fleet maintenance and minimise equipment downtime.

- Lead the resolution of customer issues and ensure prompt turnaround of hire orders.

- Oversee the finalisation and close-out of hire contracts.

- Improve operational processes, systems and workflows to increase efficiency.

- Drive collaboration and communication between Operations, Sales, Workshop and other internal teams.

- Work closely with customers and suppliers to resolve issues and deliver practical solutions.

- Ensure operational activities are completed safely, efficiently and in line with company standards.

- Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve utilisation and improve the customer experience.

- Develop a high-performing, accountable and positive team culture.

- Support operational planning and contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the business.

About You

We’re looking for a strong leader who is practical, organised, commercially minded and solutions-focused.

You will ideally have:

- Proven experience leading operational teams, ideally within equipment hire, construction, transport, logistics or a similar industry.

- A strong understanding of heavy machinery and its operation, maintenance and servicing.

- A mechanical or technical mindset, with the ability to understand and troubleshoot equipment issues.

- Excellent people leadership skills and the ability to get the best from a diverse team.

- Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with customers, suppliers and employees at all levels.

- A calm and organised approach when things get busy or unexpected problems arise.

- A strong sense of urgency and a “yes, we can” attitude.

- The ability to adapt quickly and make sound decisions under pressure.

- Commercial awareness, with an understanding of the balance between customer service, cost, utilisation and compliance.

- A genuine desire to continuously improve the way things are done.

What We’re Looking For

This role will suit someone who enjoys being hands-on and involved in the action. Someone who can walk into a workshop, jump on a machine, talk to a customer, solve a breakdown and then sit down with the team to improve the process that caused the problem in the first place.

If you’re a strong operator and people leader who takes ownership, gets things done and wants to make a real difference, we’d like to hear from you.

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