South Canterbury Area Manager

Ritchies Transport; Timaru; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company is seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee operations across multiple depots in Canterbury. In this strategic role, you'll ensure efficient service delivery while championing safety and team performance. The ideal candidate has over 10 years in operational leadership, with strong people and financial management skills. Join at a pivotal time to help shape the future of public transport in New Zealand.

Benefits

Company vehicle

Collaborative environment

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years in a senior, multi-site operational leadership role.
• Experience in regulated, customer-facing industries.
• Strong people and financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading day-to-day service delivery across depots.
• Managing depot performance, safety, customer satisfaction, and cost control.
• Supporting and coaching Depot Managers and Supervisors.

Skills

Operational leadership

People management

Financial management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Job description

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced and people-focused Area Manager to lead our operations across multiple depots in the South Canterbury region.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you’ll ensure day-to-day service runs safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, while also leading teams, driving performance, and championing a strong health and safety culture.

This is a key leadership role, with real impact across our network and the chance to be part of Ritchies’ transformation journey as we modernise and decarbonise our fleet.

Team Ritchies

Ritchies is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most trusted public transport providers. With more than 2,500 people across the country, we deliver safe and reliable bus and coach services to schools, councils, communities, and businesses.

You’ll be joining us at a pivotal time, as we lead the shift to more sustainable, customer-focused transport services.

About You

You’re an operational leader with a strong background in running multi-site teams. You balance commercial thinking with a focus on people and safety, and you’re known for being calm under pressure, strategic in your planning, and collaborative in your leadership style.

You build strong relationships, whether with depot teams, executive leaders, or external stakeholders, and you lead by example, always pushing for better.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading day-to-day service delivery across depots in your region

• Supporting and coaching Depot Managers and Supervisors

• Managing depot performance, safety, customer satisfaction, and cost control

• Driving improvement, consistency, and change across sites

• Reporting on metrics and performance to the executive team

• Representing Ritchies with external partners, including councils and industry groups

• Playing a key role in tenders, expansions, and strategic projects

What You’ll Bring

• 10+ years in a senior, multi-site operational leadership role

• Strong people and financial management skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement ability

• Experience in regulated, customer-facing industries

• A collaborative, forward-thinking approach to leadership

• Confidence presenting at senior and industry level

What You’ll Get

• A leadership role with national impact and purpose

• A company vehicle and full tools to succeed

• A supportive team and collaborative environment

• Opportunities to grow your career in a large, stable business

• The chance to shape the future of public transport in Aotearoa

The Process from Here

We’re an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace. As part of our process, pre-employment checks will include Ministry of Justice vetting, drug and alcohol testing, and reference checks.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand at the time of application.

Apply now with your CV and a brief cover letter. We’re reviewing applications as they arrive.