Watch Operations Manager

Ko wai mātou - About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders and working to save lives since 1885. As well as providing Ambulance Services, our programmes and team of over 11,000 staff and volunteers are helping to build strong, resilient communities across the motu; supporting everyone in Aotearoa to live healthier, happier and longer lives.

He aha te tūranga - About the role: 

Are you passionate about making positive change for our people? Do you have the skills and attributes to be an effective leader in the Emergency Ambulance environment? Do you believe that our people are our most valuable asset?  If the answer is yes, then this is the role for you.

We have a unique opportunity for a Watch Operations Manager based in Timaru. This is a permanent, full-time position working a roster of 42 hours per week, 4 days on 4 days off, and consists of day shifts only (9am-9pm).

This position is a dynamic and responsive role with a focus on ensuring our people have the tools and support that they require to perform and enjoy their roles on a day-to-day basis. This is a great development opportunity if you are seeking a role that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our people and will provide you with the foundational experience needed to kick-start a career in leadership and management.

Reporting to the Area Operations Manager, this role holds line management responsibility for paid frontline personnel along with non-watch aligned volunteers, casuals, and relief personnel and is responsible for enabling the efficient and effective provision of EAS within the district. 

Watch Operations Managers focus on:

1. Staff Management and Support
2. Incident Management
3. Clinical Response (first response and clinical backup are actively de-emphasized)

Ko wai koe - About you:

To be successful in this role you will have the following: 

• Demonstrated people leadership in a complex environment, ideally with an understanding of the health sector or emergency service
• Proven competence at a management level, with the ability to focus on operational details and strategy 
• Able to motivate and inspire others
• Build & maintain relationships with all team members and stakeholders 
• Foster a positive & open work culture 
• Excellent written & interpersonal communication skills 
• Knowledge & appreciation of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its
  
  application for Hato Hone St John in the community and health-care
  
  environments
• Demonstrate behaviours that align with Hato Hone St John's core values - Do the right thing (Mahi Tika), Side by Side (Tū Tahi), Straight Up (Mahi Pono), Make it better (Whakapai Ake), Open Minds (Whakaaro Nui)

A clinical or ambulance background is not essential, and we will train the right candidate to First Responder if required.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” before applications close on Sunday 31st August 2025  (please ensure you upload a CV and cover letter addressed to Carla, to be considered for this role)

For more information, please contact Sammie Potter - Recruitment Advisor at [email protected] or at 09 526 0528 x 8437 for a confidential discussion.

Please note: all appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks including, but not limited to physical assessment and health check. This does apply to current members as well. For clinical operations roles where you are required to drive, you will be required to meet Hato Hone St John medical standards.

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rereketanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou i ngā whakaaro rereke, kia mahi pai i roto i ngā hāpori katoa. Ko ta mātou nei haepapa, kia hangaia tātahi āhuru mōwai mā tātou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.