The Opportunity
Lead a high-performing transport operation that keeps Northland moving
Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves working with people, and has the ability to keep multiple moving parts running smoothly?
We're looking for an outstanding Operations Manager to lead our Whangarei Depot. This is a critical leadership role responsible for the day-to-day operation of one of our significant depots, managing a large and diverse workforce while ensuring safe, reliable and efficient transport services are delivered every day.
You will lead a team of more than 150 employees, including Drivers, Cleaners, Administrative staff, and Depot Supervisors, while overseeing a fleet of over 170 vehicles.
This role is contracted at 40 hours per week, however transport doesn't always operate within business hours. You'll need to be flexible and available to respond to operational issues when required, providing leadership and support outside of standard working hours.
About Us
Ritchies Transport is one of New Zealand's largest transport operators, connecting communities through safe, reliable and customer-focused transport services.
With operations across the country, we play an important role in helping people get where they need to be while providing a workplace where our people can build rewarding and long-term careers.
About the Role
As Operations Manager, reporting to the Depot Manager, you will be responsible for leading all aspects of depot performance, ensuring the successful delivery of daily transport operations while fostering a positive and high-performing culture.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing a team of 150+ employees across multiple workgroups
- Providing leadership and support to Depot Supervisors and frontline teams
- Managing a fleet of over 170 vehicles to maximise efficiency, reliability and utilisation
- Driving operational performance and service delivery outcomes
- Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, regulatory and company requirements
- Managing staffing, rostering and resource planning
- Investigating and resolving operational issues in a timely manner
- Building strong relationships with staff, customers, contractors and stakeholders
- Monitoring operational data and identifying opportunities for improvement
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding and retention initiatives
- Managing incident reporting, investigations and corrective actions
- Promoting a culture focused on safety, accountability and continuous improvement
What You'll Bring
We are looking for a strong people leader with a genuine passion for getting the best out of others.
You'll have:
- Proven leadership experience managing large operational teams
- Experience within the transport, logistics, distribution, fleet, freight or related industries
- Exceptional people leadership and relationship-building skills
- The ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels
- A calm and practical approach to problem solving
- Strong planning, organisational and decision-making ability
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence
- A strong understanding of health and safety requirements
- Confidence using operational systems, data and reporting tools
- The flexibility to support a 24/7 operation and be available on-call when required
Why Ritchies?
At Ritchies, you'll join a business that values its people and provides opportunities to make a genuine impact.
We offer:
- A senior leadership role with significant responsibility and influence
- The opportunity to lead a large team and depot operation
- A competitive salary package
- Career development opportunities within a growing national organisation
- A supportive leadership team
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Stable employment within an essential service
Ready to Take the Wheel?
If you're a people-focused leader with a transport or logistics background, strong operational expertise, and an eye for detail, we'd love to hear from you.
As a safety-conscious employer, pre-employment checks will include drug testing, Ministry of Justice checks and reference checks.
Lead great people. Deliver essential Services. Make a difference every day.
Bring your leadership expertise to Ritchies and become part of a team that keeps communities connected. Apply now.
Skills Required
- Proven leadership experience managing large operational teams
- Experience in transport, logistics, distribution, fleet, freight, or a related industry
- Exceptional people leadership and relationship-building skills
- Effective communication skills with staff at all levels
- Calm and practical problem-solving approach
- Strong planning, organisational, and decision-making ability
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence
- Strong understanding of health and safety requirements
- Confidence using operational systems, data, and reporting tools
- Flexibility to support a 24/7 operation and be available on-call when required
What We Do
Ritchies Transport is a leading New Zealand-based passenger transport company specializing in urban and charter bus services. Founded in 1935, it has grown into one of the country's largest privately owned operators, providing a nationwide network of safe and reliable public transport, school bus services, and coach tours to keep communities connected and moving.
