Group Operations Manager

He aha te tūranga - About the role:

Are you passionate about our people and ready to make a positive difference as a leader in emergency ambulance services?

If the answer is yes, we’re seeking applications for a Group Operations Manager in Tairāwhiti. This role will look after part of Gisborne and stations along the East Coast through to Hicks Bay, building strong relationships with local teams, iwi and communities.

Outside of work, enjoy epic surf breaks, stunning coastal trails, award-winning vineyards and breweries, and the chance to be among the first in the world to see the sunrise, all in a region rich in culture, history and natural beauty.

This is a dynamic role focused on supporting our people to succeed and enjoy their work. It’s a great opportunity to make a meaningful difference while building your leadership and management experience.

Reporting to the Area Operations Manager, this role holds line management responsibility for paid frontline personnel along with non-watch aligned volunteers, casuals, and relief personnel and is responsible for enabling the efficient and effective provision of EAS within the district.

Group Operations Managers focus on:

• Staff Management and Support
• Incident Management
• Clinical Response (first response and clinical backup are actively de-emphasized)

This is a permanent role, working 40 hours, Monday to Sunday with access to a response capable pool car during work hours. Ko wai koe - About you:

The role requires demonstrated people leadership in a complex environment, ideally with an understanding of emergency services. Cultural competency, an understanding of tikanga Māori, and the ability to build trusted relationships with mana whenua are important to succeeding in this role

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” before applications close on Sunday 1 November 2026

For further information please contact Tanya Jeffery, Recruitment Advisor on 09 526 0528 ext: 8793 or tanya.jeffery@stjohn.org.nz for a confidential discussion.

Please note: all appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, physical assessment, psychometric assessment, police vetting, health check, and reference checks. For clinical operations roles where you are required to drive, you will be required to meet Hato Hone St John Medical Standards for Driving

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rerekētanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou I ngā whakaaro rerekē, kia mahi pai I roto I ngā hāpori katoa. Ko tā mātou nei haepapa, kia hanga tētahi āhuru mōwai mā tatou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.