Manager Parks and Facilities Operations

We’re looking for an experienced operational leader who can inspire people, strengthen contract performance and deliver high-quality parks and facilities services for our community.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. That includes customer experience, data and digital, asset planning, economic development, and contract and programme delivery, to name just a few. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

This isn’t a one-off change. It’s the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we’d love you to help build it.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is your opportunity to lead the spaces and places that help make Nelson such a great place to live, work and play. As Manager Parks and Facilities Operations, you'll lead the delivery and performance of a diverse portfolio of parks, reserves, sports fields, community facilities, venues and public spaces that are enjoyed by our community every day. You'll provide operational leadership, ensuring services are safe, sustainable, financially sound and deliver real value for Nelson.

Leading a skilled team and working closely with contractors, stakeholders and Council colleagues, you'll drive high-quality service delivery, strengthen contract performance and help shape the future of some of Nelson's most important community assets.

You will

• Lead and inspire a skilled, adaptable team focused on accountability, strong contract performance and community value
• Provide leadership for the operation, maintenance and presentation of parks, reserves, sports fields, community facilities, venues, property and public open spaces
• Build consistent contract management capability across the Operations Delivery business unit
• Develop operational plans, performance measures and work programmes, monitor service delivery and drive continuous improvement
• Work with asset planning and capital delivery teams to inform lifecycle planning, maintenance priorities, renewals and asset performance
• Manage operational budgets, expenditure, forecasting and resource allocation
• Ensure operations meet relevant health and safety, environmental, legislative and regulatory requirements
• Build strong relationships with iwi/Māori partners, residents, community groups and other key stakeholders

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll be an experienced operational leader with sound judgement, strong financial capability and a proven ability to deliver effective parks and facilities services within budget. You’ll bring a community-focused approach, build trusted relationships and lead people through change and continuous improvement.

You will have

A relevant tertiary qualification in parks, facilities, recreation management or a related discipline

Extensive knowledge of parks, property, facilities, sports fields, venues, public spaces, reserves, recreation assets and community facilities operations

Experience in operational delivery, including delivering value-for-money parks and facilities activities within budget

A strong background in procurement, contract and performance management, and risk mitigation

Experience managing operational budgets, forecasting expenditure and monitoring financial performance

Knowledge of local government operations and the regulatory frameworks relevant to parks and facilities service delivery

Sound report-writing skills and the ability to present to Council

A full current New Zealand driver’s licence.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives

A fully subsidised health insurance scheme

A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development opportunities

Access to various employee benefits and discounts

Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future

Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

11pm, Thursday 12 November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to Alec Louverdis, Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director Delivery on [email protected]