We’re looking for an experienced senior leader to join our team as General Manager – a pivotal role responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of FirstMate.
This is your opportunity to make a genuine impact in a sector that faces unique challenges. You’ll be leading our operations, managing our finances and contracts, supporting Board governance, and driving the stakeholder relationships and fundraising that enable our work.
This is a part-time (up to 10 hours a week) contract position, reporting to the FirstMate Board of Directors (Chair). Salary: $60,000 per annum.
More information at https://www.firstmate.org.nz/
What You’ll Be Doing
• Providing overall operational leadership and management of FirstMate
• Managing the Lead Navigator and contractor relationships
• Overseeing financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Negotiating and managing contracts with service providers and funders
• Preparing Board papers and supporting governance and strategic decision-making
• Leading stakeholder engagement with industry, government, and community partners
• Developing and implementing fundraising strategies
• Leading operational planning and continuous improvement
Essential:
• Proven experience in a senior management role with responsibility for operational delivery
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Experience working with governance boards and supporting strategic planning
• Demonstrated fundraising, grant writing, and revenue development experience
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Current driver’s licence and flexibility to travel
• NZ resident
Desirable:
• Understanding of the seafood sector (fishing and/or marine farming)
• Understanding of mental health and wellbeing in high-stress environments
• Experience in not-for-profit financial management
• Experience managing remote or geographically dispersed teams
Personal Attributes:
• Strategic thinker with practical problem-solving skills
• High integrity, professionalism, and discretion
• Empathetic and committed to mental health and wellbeing
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment
• Passionate about FirstMate’s mission and values
FirstMate is a charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of people across New Zealand’s commercial seafood sector. We understand that working at sea – whether fishing or marine farming – comes with unique pressures and challenges. Through our Navigator network, we provide free counselling, practical support, and connections to services for fishers, marine farmers, and their whānau.
We’re proud winners of the ACC Workplace and Wellbeing Award at the 2024 Seafood Stars Awards.
FirstMate is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of people working in New
Zealand's seafood sector. Through our Navigator network and 0800 ADRIFT phone line, we provide
accessible, confidential support to fishers, marine farmers, and their families across the country.
Following an external review, FirstMate is transitioning to a refined operational model that enhances
our impact and sustainability while maintaining strong connections with the seafood community.