Operations Manager

The Opportunity

A Ritchies Transport we’ve been connecting communities across Aotearoa for over 85 years. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in delivering safe, reliable transport services that keep communities moving every day.

We’re now looking for an organised, people-focused Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Methven depot. This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy solving problems, supporting people, and making a genuine impact in your local community, this could be the opportunity for you.

About the role

As the Operations Manager for our Methven depot, leadership role where you’ll support drivers and depot staff, oversee daily transport operations, manage safety and compliance, and ensure services run smoothly and efficiently.

Working closely with workshop teams, customers, and head office support functions, you’ll play a key role in delivering safe, reliable transport services while building a positive and high-performing team culture.

No two days are the same — this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a respected Kiwi company that keeps communities moving.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe and efficient day-to-day operations of the Methven depot
• Promote and maintain strong Health, Safety & Wellbeing practices across the team
• Support, lead, and develop drivers, cleaners, and depot staff
• Manage rostering, dispatch, yard coordination, and real-time operational issues
• Ensure compliance, documentation, and reporting requirements are completed accurately
• Investigate incidents and support service recovery where required
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Build strong working relationships with internal teams, contractors, customers, and stakeholders
• Contribute to achieving depot KPIs and delivering reliable transport services to the community

What you offer?

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm, organised, and solutions-focused in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and decision-making capability
• High attention to detail with strong organisational skills
• Confidence using technology and operational systems
• Ability to analyse information and identify opportunities for improvement
• A collaborative, people-focused approach to leadership and teamwork

What We Offer

At Ritchies Transport, we value great leadership and provide genuine opportunities for growth and development.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• A leadership role where you can make a real and visible impact
• A fast-paced environment with variety, challenge, and problem-solving every day
• Ongoing support from experienced leaders and teams across the business
• Career development opportunities within a large and established organisation
• Competitive remuneration
• Stable employment within an essential community service
• A supportive team culture focused on safety, wellbeing, and collaboration
• Access to our Employment Assistance Programme (EAP)

Ready to Apply?

As a safety-focused employer, all applicants will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including:

• Drug and alcohol testing
• Ministry of Justice checks
• Reference checks

Applicants must currently reside in New Zealand and hold the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership career and join a company that keeps communities moving every day, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and join the team at Ritchies Transport