Operations Manager - Drones

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferntech seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead warehouse, service & repairs, inventory, and supply chain functions in a hands-on leadership role. You will manage a team of five, partner with the General Manager, and drive continuous improvement using modern technology and AI automation to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

As the leader, you will streamline workflows, optimize stock, and ensure safe, efficient operations with data-driven reporting and budget oversight.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in operations, supply chain, inventory, or workshop/service environments.
• Commercial acumen with a strong grasp of financial drivers and stock health metrics.
• Enthusiasm for modern technology, software, and AI tools to optimise operations.

Responsibilities

• Streamline workshop workflows, maintain quality standards, and drive healthy margins and fast turnarounds.
• Lead demand planning, stock accuracy, vendor relationships, and purchasing strategy to keep working capital efficient.
• Oversee warehouse systems and dispatch operations to ensure accurate, on-time order fulfilment.
• Coach and develop your team while implementing modern tools and AI-driven solutions to eliminate bottlenecks.
• Deliver clear operational reporting and manage budgets to support data-driven decision-making.
• Take ownership of H&S compliance across the warehouse and service operations, ensuring a safe environment for all staff.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Supply chain

Team coaching

AI tools

Data-driven decisions

Tools

WMS

ERP

AI automation

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the strategic and day-to-day execution of our warehouse, service & repairs, inventory, and supply chain functions. You'll directly lead a team of five and play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement, leveraging modern technology and AI automation, and ensuring our customer experience remains second to none. This is a hands-on leadership role that sits at the heart of the business - working closely with the General Manager and cross-functional teams to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.

Key responsibilities

Streamline workshop workflows, maintain quality standards, and drive healthy margins and fast turnarounds

Lead demand planning, stock accuracy, vendor relationships, and purchasing strategy to keep working capital efficient

Oversee warehouse systems and dispatch operations to ensure accurate, on-time order fulfilment

Coach and develop your team while implementing modern tools and AI-driven solutions to eliminate bottlenecks

Deliver clear operational reporting and manage budgets to support data-driven decision-making

Take ownership of H&S compliance across the warehouse and service operations, ensuring a safe environment for all staff

About you

Proven leadership experience in operations, supply chain, inventory, or workshop/service environments

Commercial acumen with a strong grasp of financial drivers and stock health metrics

A people-first approach - you love coaching teams and collaborating across functions

Enthusiasm for modern technology, software, and AI tools to optimise operations

A proactive problem solver who leads from the front when the team needs support

A genuine commitment to health & safety and maintaining a compliant workplace

About us

At Ferntech, we are passionate about cutting-edge technology and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We foster a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where practical leadership and innovative ideas are celebrated.