Regional Operations Manager

gadventures; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

G Adventures seeks a Regional Operations Manager to lead delivery of the Oceania tour programme, overseeing a diverse team, supplier relationships, and compliance to drive growth and quality. The role emphasizes risk management, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement within a dynamic regional platform.

We welcome applicants from Australia or New Zealand with preferred bases in Brisbane, Christchurch or Auckland, but consider strong candidates from other locations who meet the

Responsibilities

• Lead ongoing enhancements of operational and administrative processes across regional operations and shared services.
• Coordinate with Product and Strategic Operations to manage product lines and inventory for profitability.
• Forecast regional overhead budgets, spending and tracking with accuracy.
• Contribute to regional staffing strategy for Regional Operations, Tour Staff and Shared Services.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities in collaboration with the Buying team and ensure trips run to budget.

Job description

About Us

Let's go on an adventure together!

Hey there, we're G Adventures. We're one of the world's leading small group travel companies, and we've always believed that travel isn't just about where you go - it's about how it changes you.

For the last 35 years, we've set out to do things differently. No cookie-cutter tours. No giant buses or cruise ships. And not to mention, as few selfie sticks as possible. Just real humans, travelling your heart out across the world with open minds and a non-stop desire to make our planet better, simply by exploring it.

At G Adventures, our DNA (or GNA, if you will) is built on belonging - where bringing your authentic self to work every day isn't just accepted, it's downright celebrated. For our office crew - you wanna rock a t-shirt with your dog's face on it? We say go for it. For our Chief Experience Officers - you wanna hit the road and call some of the most epic places on Earth your home office? We love that - and we've got you. Wanna spend your days with people you genuinely like? Us too - and we're pretty sure you'll fit right in, wherever that is.

Now about that career of yours - this is the kind of place where you can spread your wings and truly grow into your role. The best part? You get to do it all alongside a passionate, freakishly talented, one-of-a-kind bunch excited to produce top-notch work and spread a ridiculous amount of goodness at the same time.

Feel like this could be the right fit? We think so too, and we're already way too excited to meet you.

About the Role

The Regional Operations Manager role is a pivotal leadership position that is primarily responsible for the successful delivery of G Adventures' comprehensive tour programme across Oceania. This is a dynamic and multi-faceted role that leads a diverse team to ensure sustainable business growth, operational excellence, profitability and quality. This role oversees supplier relationships, team development, and compliance, ensuring efficient, innovative, and customer-focused tour operations.

It also manages risk, fosters cross-functional collaboration and champions continuous improvement to uphold brand standards and safety. This role builds on a highly successful platform but with significant opportunity to drive continued growth and evolution of the Oceania region in the coming years.

We welcome applications from candidates from Australia or New Zealand, with a preference for Brisbane based (Australia) or Christchurch/Auckland (NZ) applicants, but please still apply if you are outside of these locations and meet all other criteria for the role.

What you'll be doing

Strategic Leadership and Regional Planning

• Lead ongoing enhancements of operational and administrative processes, ensuring systematic and efficient workflow across regional operations, key suppliers and shared services functions.


• Coordinate with Product and Strategic Operations divisions to manage product lines and inventory efficiently and profitably.


• Ensure accurate regional overhead budget forecasting, spend and tracking


• Contribute to strategic destination management functions, including product mix, inventory strategy, quality management and supplier mix.


• Contribute to development and implementation of a regional staffing strategy across Regional Operations, Tour Staff, and Shared Services functions.


• Ensure trips run to budget, and identify opportunities for cost reductions in collaboration with the Buying team.

Supplier and Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with the Buying team on supplier selection, vetting, and training.


• Build and manage effective relationships with suppliers and DMC partners, ensuring consistent service delivery and clear communication at all levels.


• Travel within the region to inspect hotels, transportation and suppliers; provide support, attend industry events and stay informed on new industry trends.


• Develop the company's presence within local tourism boards, associations and committees, promoting brand awareness and industry engagement in the region.


• Ensure all operational areas uphold brand standards and properly represent third-party wholesaler brands as required.


• Maintain strong communication and positive working relationships between regional operations, shared services functions and other internal stakeholders. Consistently review and manage workflow and processes.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and manage a remote team of office employees and tour staff across the Oceania region, fostering a culture of trust, respect and accountability both internally and externally.


• Oversee ongoing training programs for office employees, tour staff, and local operators to build leadership capacity and regional infrastructure that supports rapid growth.


• Foster and promote company culture among office employees, suppliers and tour staff, enhancing engagement and alignment with company values and community tourism.


• Support travel style training initiatives within the region to ensure consistent c