Director, Christchurch and West Coast Bridge

• Senior leadership role with regional reach across the Upper South Island
• Lead evidence-based addiction and recovery services with real impact
• Shape strategy, culture and outcomes for tāngata whaiora and whānau

About the role

The Salvation Army Bridge Programme provides integrated, evidence-based addiction treatment and recovery services that support people to reduce harm, build capability, and experience long-term wellbeing. The Christchurch & West Coast Bridge covers a broad and diverse region, including Nelson, Motueka, Buller, West Coast, Canterbury and South Canterbury.

As Director, Christchurch & West Coast Bridge, you’ll hold overall responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of the regional Bridge services. Reporting to the National Director Addictions & Health, you’ll ensure services are delivered safely, sustainably, and in alignment with The Salvation Army’s mission, values, and Christian ethos.

This is a senior leadership role with accountability for people leadership, service quality, financial performance, contractual delivery, cultural safety, and strong relationships with funders, iwi, partners, and the wider health and social services sector.

What you’ll do

• Provide visible, values-led leadership to multidisciplinary teams across residential and community-based services 
• Lead strategic and annual planning, translating national direction into strong regional delivery 
• Ensure high-quality, culturally safe services that align with the Bridge Model of Treatment and kaupapa whānau approaches
• Hold accountability for budgets, occupancy, KPIs, contracts, audits, and risk management
• Build and maintain effective relationships with funders, referrers, iwi, community partners, and other stakeholders
• Foster a positive, safe, and high-performing workplace culture, with a strong focus on leadership, development, and wellbeing
• Uphold The Salvation Army’s mission, values, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in day-to-day practice

What we’re looking for

• Proven senior leadership experience, preferably within an addictions setting, or more broadly across health, mental health or social services
• Full professional registration with DAPAANZ, SWRB, or another relevant body
• Strong operational and financial management capability, including experience managing contracts and budgets
• A demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural safety, and equity of outcomes
• An authentic, compassionate leadership style, with the ability to lead complex services across a diverse region
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging at senior and community levels
• Adaptable, energetic, self-motivated and committed to The Salvation Army’s mission of ‘caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society’

Why join The Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most established and trusted social service providers. Their Bridge services are recognised for their quality, integrity, and impact, supporting people and whānau to create meaningful, lasting change.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a committed, skilled workforce, influence regional and national service delivery, and contribute to work that genuinely transforms lives.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Christchurch.

How to apply

Apply with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Sunday 8 February 2026. 

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.

View the position description by copying this link into your browser:  https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/Christchurch-Bridge-Director-Position-Description-2026.01.pdf