Operations Manager

The Lightfoot Initiative is a local charity working to make it easier, safer and more appealing for people in our district to walk, bike, scoot, share rides and use public transport. We run community programmes, events and education. We also bring together the people and organisations needed to change how our communities move around.

In 2025 we launched an ambitious ten-year strategy built on four pillars: Inspire, Engage, Connect and Sustain. We're now looking for an experienced Operations Manager to help us deliver it.

Role Description

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you'll lead the day-to-day running of Lightfoot and make sure our work programme is delivered well, on time and within budget. You'll line manage a small team, including our Events Coordinator and OneBike Lead, and oversee our contractors and volunteers.

The role combines strong operational leadership with hands-on community engagement. Alongside the wider team, you'll get out into the community, building relationships and supporting our events. It's a 20-hour-a-week role with flexibility, but it does include some evening and weekend work for community events and bi-monthly Board meetings.

You'll be:

• Leading, motivating and developing a small, diverse team, and growing our volunteer base
• Overseeing delivery of our programmes and campaigns so they meet our KPIs and our commitments to funders
• Managing budgets and supporting the CE with financial reporting, risk management and compliance
• Running people processes such as recruitment, induction, training and performance reviews
• Working alongside the team to build relationships with residents, schools, businesses and partners, and supporting our events
• Leading health and safety across our people, events and activities
• Building strong relationships with our wider community partners and stakeholders
• Finding ways to improve our systems and processes as we grow

About you:

• Senior experience in operational delivery, ideally in a not-for-profit, community or programme environment
• A people leader who brings energy, clarity and care to a small team
• Confident managing budgets, programmes and day-to-day operations
• Highly organised and confident with systems and technology
• Confident putting yourself out there: you enjoy meeting people, starting conversations and building relationships across the community
• Comfortable presenting and speaking at events
• Flexible about when you work, including some evenings and weekends
• An excellent communicator who works well with a wide range of people
• Strong cultural competence and a commitment to equitable outcomes for Māori and all communities
• A self-starter with drive, integrity and adaptability
• A genuine passion for active travel, sustainability and positive community change

Why Lightfoot?

This is a chance to shape how one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts moves. You'll join a small, committed team where your work makes a visible difference. We support flexible working and operate a welcoming and inclusive team culture.

Send your CV and a cover letter to our Chief Executive, Lana Cruickshank, at lana@lightfoot.org.nz by 10 November 2026.

In your cover letter, tell us why this role appeals to you and how your experience aligns with the position.

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, so we encourage you to apply early. For a confidential chat about the role please contact lana@lightfoot.org.nz

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.