Operations Manager High Risk Residential Services

About this role

 

• Permanent opportunity commencing from end of January 2027
• Location: Corrections Facility, based in Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch

 

We are permanently recruiting for the newly established Operations Manager High Risk Residential Services (HRRS) role. Reporting to the National Manager High Risk Residential Services, this role provides operational leadership and oversight across High Risk Residential Services nationally.

This is a key national leadership role responsible for driving consistency, performance, safety and operational excellence across HRRS while supporting the ongoing development of residential services nationwide.

High Risk Residential Services (HRRS) provide specialised accommodation and support for a small group of people with some of the highest and most complex risk, support and reintegration needs in the community. The service supports public safety while providing structured accommodation, tailored support and graduated levels of supervision to assist residents to live safely and successfully in the community.

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As the Operations Manager HRRS, you will provide operational leadership across multiple high-risk residential sites, ensuring services are delivered safely, consistently and effectively. You will lead and support Residence Leads, drive operational performance, monitor risk and compliance, and contribute to the implementation of national standards, priorities and continuous improvement initiatives.

The role  supports the delivery of safe and supportive residential services  and reintegration outcomes for people in Corrections care while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence, health, safety and wellbeing, and workforce capability. You will operate in a complex environment where residents may present with overlapping risk, mental health, neurodiversity, disability, physical health and social support needs. Success in the role requires strong operational leadership, sound judgement, effective risk management, and the ability to work collaboratively across a broad network of internal and external partners

Working closely with the National Manager and key operational leaders, you will help ensure a nationally consistent approach to residential service delivery, while fostering strong relationships across Community Corrections, reintegration, community services, and external partners. As a key member of the HRRS leadership team, you will contribute to the ongoing development of High Risk Residential Services, helping shape national standards, strengthen operational practice, and support future service and system improvements

This position must be based at one of our community High Risk Residential Services (HRRS): Kaainga Taupua (grounds of Spring Hill Corrections Facility), Te Korowai (grounds of Rimutaka Prison), or Toruatanga (grounds of Christchurch Men's Prison).

Regular monthly national travel will be required to the sites in which you are not based. The successful applicant will also participate in and lead a regular on-call duty roster, responding to critical incidents, emergencies, operational risks and escalations outside standard working hours.

 

Mōu | About you

As a credible and experienced operational leader, you thrive in complex environments and are confident leading through others. You bring sound judgement, resilience and the ability to navigate challenging situations while maintaining a focus on people, performance and outcomes.

Committed to developing others, you build strong partnerships and foster a culture of safety, accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement. You lead with authenticity, demonstrate strong operational acumen and are motivated by achieving positive outcomes for people in Corrections care and the communities we serve.

You are comfortable balancing competing priorities, responding to operational challenges, and making decisions in environments where risk, safety and wellbeing considerations must be carefully managed.

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• Significant operational leadership experience within Corrections, community justice, residential services, social services, housing, or a similarly complex environment.
• A proven ability to lead through others, including coaching, developing and supporting leaders to achieve service delivery and performance outcomes.
• Experience managing operational performance, risk, compliance and service delivery across multiple sites or locations.
• Strong relationship management, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across organisational and sector boundaries.
• A demonstrated commitment to health, safety and wellbeing, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and culturally responsive practice.
• Experience working with high-risk or complex client groups would be advantageous.

A relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent operational management experience is required. The successful candidate must hold a current full driver licence and be capable of obtaining and maintaining the required security clearance for the role.

 

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The midpoint of the salary range is $171,226 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $145,543 - $205,472 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

 

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities.

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

 

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on:  Wednesday 11 November 2026, 11pm, NZST.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact sarah.zagarelos@corrections.govt.nz or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz