About LifeKidz
LifeKidz Trust is a not-for-profit organisation providing specialist care and programmes for children and young people living with disabilities and additional needs.
Based in Pakuranga and supporting communities across East and South Auckland, LifeKidz provides After School Care, School Holiday and Community Participation Day Programmes within a safe, engaging and supportive environment.
With a dedicated team and a strong connection to the children, young people and whānau it supports, LifeKidz is looking for a new General Manager to lead the organisation and ensure it continues to deliver high-quality, sustainable services.
About the role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the General Manager has overall responsibility for the leadership and day-to-day management of LifeKidz.
This is a broad and hands-on position spanning people leadership, operations, finance, contracts, compliance, health and safety and safeguarding. You will lead and support the LifeKidz team, maintain oversight of the organisation's financial and operational performance, and ensure its programmes continue to meet the needs of those they support.
You'll work closely with the Board, providing clear and timely reporting and advice, while having the autonomy to make decisions and lead the organisation within agreed parameters.
A key part of the role will be maintaining strong relationships with funders, government agencies, families, schools and community stakeholders. You'll oversee funding and contractual obligations, working alongside external support where appropriate to ensure reporting and accountability requirements are met.
While this is a senior leadership position, LifeKidz is a close-knit community organisation. You'll need to be comfortable being hands-on, working across a wide range of responsibilities and stepping in to support the team and programmes when required.
What we’re looking for
You will be an experienced senior manager or General Manager with strong operational and people leadership experience.
Warm, approachable and emotionally intelligent, you'll genuinely care about the people LifeKidz supports while also being comfortable setting expectations, holding people accountable and having difficult conversations when needed.
You'll be highly organised, financially capable and confident managing multiple priorities within a reasonably complex organisation. You'll make sound decisions, remain calm under pressure and work with a high degree of autonomy, while maintaining an open and collaborative relationship with the Board.
Experience within the disability sector would be advantageous, as would experience working with MSD or other government agencies, charitable trusts, OSCAR services or multidisciplinary teams.
Above all, LifeKidz is looking for someone who can combine heart with strong leadership and operational capability. You'll understand the realities of working in a community-based organisation and be willing to get involved wherever needed to help LifeKidz, its team and the people it supports continue to succeed.
Why join LifeKidz?
This is an opportunity to lead a well-established community organisation where the work has a direct and meaningful impact on children and young people with disabilities and their whānau.
You'll join a dedicated team and work alongside a supportive Board, with the scope to influence how LifeKidz continues to develop and deliver its services. The breadth of the role means you'll be close to the people, programmes and decisions that matter, and able to make a genuine difference across the organisation.
For someone who enjoys combining people leadership with hands-on operational management, this is a rewarding role where you'll be able to see the impact of your contribution every day.
To find out more about LifeKidz visit their website at https://www.lifekidz.org.nz/
How to apply
Apply with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Sunday 11 October 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/LifeKidz-PD-GM-17.9.26.pdf
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