Site Manager - Christchurch East

Oranga Tamariki; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 144,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Christchurch East Site is seeking a proactive Site Manager for a 1-year secondment/Fixed Term, full-time role based at our Christchurch East site. The role leads delivery of high-quality child protection services to tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau, guiding practice through Te Ao Māori frameworks and partnership with iwi and Māori groups.

You will shape strategic planning, manage a large team (~40 staff), and oversee financial, HR and safety responsibilities

Qualifications

• Knowledge of indigenous models of practice and service delivery with a commitment to Te Toka Tumoana, Te Kauri and Va'aifetu (Maori and Pacific frameworks)
• Experience leading a large team in social services context
• Ability to manage risk and make tough decisions
• Experience engaging with multi-agency partners and iwi/Māori partners

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of high-quality child protection services to tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau.
• Model and apply mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whānaungātanga in practice.
• Champion partner-centred approaches with iwi/Māori partners and other agencies.
• Demonstrate business acumen with financial, HR and health and safety responsibilities in a complex environment.
• Lead a large team (approximately 40 staff) and monitor performance.

Job description

• 1 year Secondment/Fixed Term, full-time opportunity available
• Based at our Christchurch East site
• Competitive remuneration between $144,272 and $174,000 dependent on experience

We are seeking a committed, proactive, driven, and experienced leader to join us as the Site Manager at our Christchurch East Site!

Mō te tūnga | About therole

As an integral member of the wider leadership team, your role as the Site Manager will focus on providing strong leadership and managing the delivery of high quality, child protection services to tamariki, young people and their whānau. Key to this role, will be how you model and apply the principles of mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whānaungātanga.

This role reports to the Regional Commissioner and is a key 'connector' of our business. Supporting and facilitating critical planning to implement and deliver on our strategic outcomes and drive the delivery of change.

You will have the ability to demonstrate and champion the importance of partner-centred approaches, which have collaboration with partners (particularly iwi / Māori partners) at the centre. Whilst our starting point for practice is Te Ao Māori, you will be able to recognise and promote the inclusiveness and benefit of these partner-centred approaches for all tamariki and whānau.

You will have astute business acumen allowing you to effectively manage financial, HR and health and safety responsibilities in a complex and changing work environment.

Key requirements of the role include:

• Knowledge of indigenous models of practice and service delivery with a commitment to delivering Te Toka Tumoana and Te Kauri and Va'aifetu, (our Maori and Pacific cultural frameworks)
• In depth understanding and structural analysis about the position of Māori and Pasifika today in Aotearoa and issues of equity and inequality for Indigenous people impacting on the tamariki we work with
• A good understanding and knowledge of Te Reo Me Ona Tikanga and uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi)
• Innovative thinking, relationship management skills, with a strong ability to lead in your space.
• Commitment to getting things right for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Experience in successfully leading and managing a large team (approx. 40 staff), ideally within a social services context.
• Proven ability to engage and manage stakeholder relationships and a commitment to a partnered-centred approach.
• Demonstrated experience as a collaborative, strengths-based leader with the ability to collaborate within a multi-agency approach.
• The ability to manage risk and make tough decisions.
• Strength in business planning, financial management, resource allocation and performance monitoring processes.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a tenure-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $144,272 and $174,000 dependant on experience.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Childrenis grounded in the belief thatevery tamaiti deserves a loving, safe, and supported life. Our values guide us:

• Whakapapa- we honour connections
• Mana- we uphold the dignity of all
• Tika & Pono- we do what's right, with integrity
• Oranga- we journey toward wellbeing, together

We are committed to building genuine partnerships with iwi, hapū and Māori communities - ensuring tamariki and whānau are at the centre of all we do.

Applications close: Monday, 9 November 2026

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct which explains our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.

Location(s)

• Ashburton
• Christchurch
• Rangiora
• Timaru
• Canterbury

Expertise

• Social Work
• Care Services
• Management
• Other
• Services for children and families
• Youth Justice