South Canterbury Area Manager

The Opportunity We are currently seeking an experienced and people-focused Area Manager to oversee our operations across multiple depots in the South Canterbury region. In this role, you will report directly to the Director of Operations and will be responsible for ensuring that our day-to-day services operate safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. You will lead teams, drive performance, and foster a strong health and safety culture. This is a pivotal leadership position that will have a significant impact across our network. You will have the opportunity to be part of Ritchies’ transformation journey as we modernize and decarbonize our fleet. About the Company Ritchies is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most trusted public transport providers. With a workforce of over 2,500 people nationwide, we pride ourselves on delivering safe and reliable bus and coach services to schools, councils, communities, and businesses. You will be joining us at a crucial time as we lead the shift towards more sustainable and customer-focused transport services. About the Role As the Area Manager, you will be responsible for the following: - Leading day-to-day service delivery across depots in your region - Supporting and coaching Depot Managers and Supervisors - Managing depot performance, safety, customer satisfaction, and cost control - Driving improvement, consistency, and change across sites - Reporting on metrics and performance to the executive team - Representing Ritchies with external partners, including councils and industry groups - Playing a key role in tenders, expansions, and strategic projects About You We are looking for an operational leader with a strong background in managing multi-site teams. You should have the ability to balance commercial thinking with a focus on people and safety. Known for your calm demeanor under pressure, you approach planning strategically and lead collaboratively. Building strong relationships is essential in this role, whether it is with depot teams, executive leaders, or external stakeholders. You will lead by example, consistently striving for improvement. What You’ll Bring To be successful in this role, you should have: - At least 10 years in a senior, multi-site operational leadership position - Strong people and financial management skills - Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities - Experience in regulated, customer-facing industries - A collaborative and forward-thinking leadership approach - Confidence in presenting at senior and industry levels What You’ll Get In return for your expertise and leadership, we offer: - A leadership role with national impact and purpose - A company vehicle and the necessary tools to succeed - A supportive team and a collaborative working environment - Opportunities for career growth within a large, stable organization - The chance to shape the future of public transport in Aotearoa The Process from Here We are an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive workplace. As part of our hiring process, pre-employment checks will include Ministry of Justice vetting, drug and alcohol testing, and reference checks. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand at the time of application. If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your CV and a brief cover letter. We will review applications as they arrive.