Practice Manager & People Lead

BDO in New Zealand; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO New Zealand is seeking an experienced Practice Manager & People Lead for our New Plymouth office to support strategic priorities and strengthen practice operations. You will oversee people and culture, administration, facilities, technology, health and safety, risk and policy implementation, delivering practical outcomes for Principals, staff and clients.

The role blends strategic input with hands-on delivery, requiring relationship-building, process improvement and strong governance

Qualifications

• Five+ years in a senior business/office/operations or practice management role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders and contributing to organisational priorities.
• Strong relationship management, communication, teamwork and influencing skills.
• Experience across people operations: recruitment, onboarding, performance processes and employee relations.
• Experience leading or coordinating an administration, office support or operations team.
• Judgement across governance, risk, compliance, confidentiality and sensitive people matters.
• Ability to streamline processes and prioritise effectively.
• Digital capability with Microsoft 365 and related business systems.
• Experience in professional services, accounting or a partnership environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Managing Principal and Principals to support strategic priorities and drive decision-making.
• Coordinate recruitment, employment documentation, onboarding, payroll support, remuneration reviews and employee recognition.
• Lead and support the Administration team with clear guidance and accountability.
• Lead local engagement initiatives, culture surveys, team events, appraisals and career coaching.
• Act as the practice contact for the People & Culture Community and implement national initiatives.
• Oversee day-to-day office operations, facilities, leases and supplier relationships.
• Work with National IT on systems, infrastructure and IT policy compliance.
• Champion internal communication, staff training and continuous improvement.
• Oversee health and safety, wellbeing, risk, contracts and policy development.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication

Teamwork

Influencing skills

People operations

Recruitment

Onboarding

Performance management

Employee relations

Governance & compliance

Microsoft 365

Professional services exposure

Tools

Office administration tools

Job description

At BDO, our culture is built on strong relationships, collaboration and trust. As one of the world's leading accountancy and advisory organisations, we work with clients of all sizes across a wide range of industries. What sets us apart is our partnership-style approach. We focus on what matters to our clients and deliver practical, high-quality solutions through open, honest communication.

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced Practice Manager & People Lead to join our New Plymouth office and play a central role in the success of BDO Taranaki.

You'll work closely with the Managing Principal and Principals to support strategic priorities, strengthen practice operations and deliver a positive employee experience. You'll oversee a broad portfolio spanning people and culture, administration, facilities, technology, health and safety, risk, compliance and practice improvement.

This role offers a genuine blend of strategic contribution and hands-on delivery. It will suit someone who enjoys building trusted relationships, bringing structure to complex priorities and turning practical ideas into better outcomes for Principals, staff and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Managing Principal and Principals by providing timely insight, analysis and practical recommendations that support decision-making and agreed strategic priorities.
• Coordinate recruitment, employment documentation, onboarding, payroll administration support, remuneration review activities, reward and recognition, and employee exit processes.
• Lead and support the Administration team, providing clear guidance, resources and accountability to enable high-quality outcomes.
• Lead local engagement and people initiatives, including culture surveys, team events, appraisals, career coaching and summer intern coordination.
• Act as the practice contact for the BDO New Zealand People & Culture Community and help implement agreed national initiatives and frameworks.
• Oversee the smooth day-to-day operation of the office, including administration, facilities, lease obligations, property requirements and supplier relationships.
• Work with National IT to support systems and infrastructure, technology procurement and compliance with national IT policies.
• Champion internal communication, staff training, efficiency and continuous improvement across the practice.
• Oversee health and safety, emergency planning, wellbeing initiatives, financial risk, legal documents, leases, contracts and practice-level policies.

Experience and Attributes

You'll be a proactive and pragmatic practice leader who can build trust at all levels and operate confidently across both people and operational matters.

You'll likely bring:

• At least five years' experience in a senior business, office, operations or practice management role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders and contributing to organisational priorities.
• Strong relationship management, communication, teamwork and influencing skills.
• Practical experience across people operations, including recruitment, onboarding, performance processes and employee relations.
• Experience leading or coordinating an administration, office support or operational team.
• Sound judgement across governance, risk, compliance, confidentiality and sensitive people matters.
• An ability to improve processes without overcomplicating them and to manage competing priorities with strong follow-through.
• Strong digital capability, including Microsoft 365 and relevant business systems.
• Previous experience in professional services, accounting or a partnership environment would be highly regarded.

Why BDO?

At BDO, we'll make your growth our priority. You'll join a close-knit practice where relationships matter and where your contribution will have a visible impact on our people and the way the business operates.

• A broad and influential role working closely with the Managing Principal and Principals.
• The opportunity to shape both the people experience and day-to-day practice operations.
• A collaborative, values-led environment with strong local and national relationships.
• Opportunities to contribute to strategic initiatives and continuous improvement.
• A supportive New Plymouth team and connection to the wider BDO New Zealand network.
• Competitive remuneration and employee benefits.

If you're an experienced practice, operations or people leader looking for a varied role where you can combine relationship management, people leadership and operational delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

You must currently be based in New Zealand and hold permanent work rights to be considered for this position.