Operations Manager - Oamaru

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Ritchies is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the Oamaru depot, overseeing school routes and urban services with a hands-on leadership style. The role prioritises safe, efficient service delivery, rostering and scheduling, and maintaining strong safety and compliance standards while building positive relationships with staff and customers. The ideal candidate has supervisory experience, solid rostering and planning skills, organisation and communication, and a proactive problem solving approach with awareness of business needs. NZ Class 2 or 4 licences are advantageous; confirm right to work in NZ and show commitment to decarbonisation. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight leadership outcomes, rostering improvements, safety records and community impact, and show willingness to work onsite.

Operations Manager - Oamaru

Lead Operations in a Role That Keeps Communities Moving

Ritchies is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Oamaru depot. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll oversee the day-to-day operation, ensuring our services are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the high standards our customers expect.

Our Oamaru depot operates a diverse range of services, including School routes, Urban and Tour operations, making this an exciting opportunity for a capable leader who enjoys variety and responsibility.

About Us

Ritchies is one of New Zealand's leading passenger transport companies, employing more than 3,000 people across the country. We partner with regional councils, schools, businesses, and communities to deliver safe and reliable transport services every day.

We're also on an exciting journey as we continue investing in a more sustainable future and work towards decarbonising our fleet across Aotearoa.

About the Role

As Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for:

• Leading and supporting depot staff
• Managing daily operations to ensure service delivery targets are met
• Overseeing rostering and scheduling activities
• Maintaining strong safety, compliance, and operational standards
• Building positive relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across depot operations

About You

You are a confident and people-focused leader who enjoys building high-performing teams and delivering excellent operational outcomes.

You'll bring:

• Previous leadership or staff supervision experience
• Strong rostering, scheduling, or operational planning experience
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• The ability to communicate clearly with people at all levels
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability
• Good commercial and business awareness
• A proactive, self-motivated approach
• A genuine commitment to health and safety

It would be advantageous if you have experience in the public transport sector and hold a full, clean NZ Class 2 and/or Class 4 licence.

What We Offer

• A supportive and experienced leadership team
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• The chance to make a real impact in an essential service that supports local communities
• A stable role with one of New Zealand's leading transport providers

Interested?

We welcome applications from candidates who are currently in New Zealand and have the legal right to work in New Zealand.