Operations Manager - Albany

Ritchies; Waitakere Ranges; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ritchies is seeking a hands-on leader to take ownership of operations at our Swanson depot in New Zealand. You will oversee daily depot operations, rostering, dispatch, compliance, and a large team across driving, cleaning and yard functions, while ensuring safe, reliable service for the community.

You will lead recruitment, monitor performance, drive improvements, and collaborate with internal teams and external contractors to deliver service excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large teams in operations, logistics or transport.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and make decisions under pressure.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Data-driven mindset with solid tech capability.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily depot operations including rostering, dispatch, and compliance.
• Lead a team of 235 staff across driving, cleaning and yard functions.
• Manage a fleet of 180+ vehicles and ensure readiness and efficiency.
• Drive Health, Safety & Wellbeing initiatives and incident reporting.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding of drivers in partnership with People Team.
• Monitor performance data, identify trends and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors to deliver service excellence.
• Respond to customer queries and resolve issues promptly.

Skills

People leadership

Operations management

Logistics planning

Data analysis

Safety & compliance

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Lead operations that keep communities moving!

Join Ritchies, one of New Zealand’s leading transport providers, and take ownership of operations at our Swanson depot. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will lead a large team, drive performance, and ensure safe, reliable service for the community.

About the role

• Oversee daily depot operations including rostering, bus dispatch, and compliance
• Lead, coach, and support a team of 235 staff across driving, cleaning, and yard functions
• Manage a fleet of 180 plus vehicles, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency
• Drive Health, Safety & Wellbeing initiatives and ensure all incidents are managed and reported promptly
• Manage recruitment and onboarding of drivers in partnership with the People Team
• Monitor performance data, identify trends, and implement improvements
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors to deliver service excellence
• Respond to customer queries and resolve issues in a timely manner

About you

You are a confident, practical leader who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and can lead at scale.

You bring:

• Proven leadership experience managing large teams in operations, logistics, or transport
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and make decisions under pressure
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• A data-driven mindset with solid tech capability
• A commitment to safety and continuous improvement

Desirable: Experience in public transport or a similar large operational environment.

At Ritchies, we’re passionate about connecting communities and delivering safe, reliable transport.

• Lead a high-impact operation with 200+ staff and a large fleet
• Strong team culture in a well-established national business
• Career growth opportunities within a growing organisation
• Stable, senior leadership role with real influence

Candidates for this position must be in New Zealand and have the right to work in New Zealand at the time of application.