Waste Operations Manager

Tihei mauri ora!

Nau mai, haere mai, tahuti mai ki Heretaunga!

Heretaunga haukunui, Heretaunga ararau, Heretaunga haaro te kaahu, Heretaunga takoto noa!

Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life-giving dews and waterways. Welcome to Heretaunga, whose beauty is observed by the sharp eye of the harrier hawk; a landscape rich in history and with an esteemed legacy of caring and providing for its inhabitants.

**Taitara Mahi - Waste Operations Manager

Permanent Full-Time (40 hours)*

Lead essential services that support the health, wellbeing and resilience of our community.

At Hastings District Council, we're working for our people and our place, today and tomorrow. We're looking for an experienced operational leader to take the helm of our waste operations services and help shape the future of waste and resource recovery across our district.

This is your opportunity to step into a role where every day brings variety, challenge and the chance to make a real difference for our communities.

Why you'll love this role

You'll lead the delivery of essential waste services that thousands of residents use every week. From kerbside collections and recycling facilities to contractor management, operational improvements and emergency response planning, you'll play a pivotal role in keeping services running safely, efficiently and reliably.

You'll be trusted to

• Lead waste operations across kerbside collections, recycling stations and Refuse Transfer Stations.
• Manage key service contracts and build strong partnerships with contractors and stakeholders.
• Drive service improvements, operational excellence and value for money.
• Champion health, safety, compliance and environmental stewardship.
• Support the delivery of our Waste Management and Minimisation Plan objectives.
• Lead and develop a dedicated team while fostering a positive, high-performing culture.
• What you'll bring
• You're a practical and capable leader who enjoys finding solutions, building relationships and getting things done.

You'll likely have

Experience leading operational services, contracts and teams in waste, infrastructure, local government or a similar environment.

Strong contract and commercial management skills.

Sound understanding of risk, compliance and health and safety obligations.

Confidence interpreting data, preparing reports and providing advice.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

A collaborative, customer-focused approach and a genuine commitment to service excellence.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys making a positive impact and takes pride in delivering services that matter to communities every day.

If you're an experienced operational leader looking for a role where you can combine strategic thinking, hands-on problem solving and community impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play. We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. Are you keen to be a part of our journey?

Waste Operations Manager JD (if you are viewing this via SEEK - please visit the careers page on our website for a copy of the Job Description)*

Applications close: 27 October 2026

Click here to find out about all the great reasons why you'll want to work for us.

Please Note: Due to the highly competitive employment market, our vacancy close date may be subject to change if a suitable candidate is found, so don't delay in making your application.