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About Us

At Hillary Outdoors, we honour the legacy of our founder, Sir Graeme Dingle, and our first patron, Sir Edmund Hillary, who recognised the power of combining outdoor experiences and education. We foster a bold and supportive culture that champions exploration and adventure, inviting you to bring your grit, determination, and passion. Challenges will arise, but as part of the Coromandel team, you’ll be able to tackle them head-on.

We are on a mission to empower individuals through unforgettable outdoor experiences. Our transformative expeditions for schools and groups build confidence, resilience, and a deep connection to the environment. Success here is all about channelling your energy into unforgettable adventures, making this a thrilling and rewarding career opportunity you won’t want to miss!

About the Role

Hillary Outdoors is excited to invite applications for the Programme Operations Manager position at our new Marine and Conservation Centre located in Port Charles, Northern Coromandel. This pivotal role is essential for ensuring the efficient and safe delivery of high-quality outdoor education programmes that align with our organisational standards and client objectives.

What makes this position unique? You’ll play a crucial role in the initial setup of programme safety, training instructors, and establishing operational success from the ground up, all before the Centre opens to participants in January 2025.

As Programme Operations Manager, you’ll balance overseeing programme operations with acting as a Senior Instructor. This role requires NZOIA (or equivalent) qualifications and outdoor instructor experience at a senior level, allowing you to support and mentor instructors while adhering to our established safety protocols.

About You

We are looking for a strong team member who is not only a good coach to others but also passionate about embracing environmental and conservation education. Your marine skills will be invaluable as you lead and coordinate outdoor education programmes focused on marine, bush, and conservation education. You’ll enhance participant experiences, understand client needs, and develop programme resources.

In this role, you will monitor programme effectiveness through feedback and implement improvements, while collaborating with the wider team for logistics. You’ll supervise and mentor instructors and interact with clients to ensure programme objectives are met.

Additionally, you will handle administrative tasks, recruit and manage volunteers as required, ensure the delivery and completion of NZQA unit standards for school clients, and maintain equipment. Flexibility to act as Duty Manager or instructor as needed will also be essential.

Key Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate will have programme/operations manager experience and senior outdoor instructor experience. Relevant qualifications, NZOIA or equivalent, a valid drivers licence and marine skills with proficiency in sailing, sea kayaking, coasteering and surfing. 

Why Work With Us?

As our Programme Operations Manager at the Coromandel centre you will enjoy a varied workday that involves leading programmes, mentoring instructors, and engaging with clients, all set in a breathtaking location with stunning landscapes and endless outdoor activities right at your doorstep. You’ll embrace a purposeful and rewarding career that offers daily connections to the outdoors and a sense of adventure as well as chances to further your relevant qualifications.

There are endless opportunities here at Hillary Outdoors to make a lasting impact in the lives of school and community groups through the delivery of enriching outdoor experiences that foster a deep connection to nature. With this role you’d be joining an organisation dedicated to ecological sustainability, where you'll inspire meaningful change through outdoor adventures, promote guardianship of the environment, and empower individuals to create a lasting impact on the planet.

Application Details

Ready to make an impact? Applications are open until 3pm, Thursday 31 October 2024.

You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.