Operations Lead Full Time NEW

Auckland Sea Kayaks is an award-winning adventure tourism and outdoor education business operating in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Since 2010, we’ve been helping both international visitors and local kiwis connect with the marine environment through exceptional sea kayaking experiences. We’re family-owned and operated,with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, community engagement, outdoor education and creating memorable experiences on the water.

A few things we’re proud of:

• Winner of the Community Engagement Award at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards
• Rated the #1 Nature & Wildlife Experience in Central Auckland on TripAdvisor
• Net Promoter Score of 92
• A passionate team that believes in connecting people with the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park through meaningful experiences

We’re now looking for an Operations Lead to join our team and help support the day-to-day running of the business.

About the Role
As Operations Lead, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day coordination of Auckland Sea Kayaks, ensuring our tourism experiences and outdoor education programmes run smoothly, our staff feel supported, and our customers receive exceptional service.

The role acts as the key link between our management team and our guides, providing leadership, support and direction while maintaining high operational standards and a positive team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Customer Coordination

• Manage customer enquiries via phone and email
• Coordinate bookings, changes and cancellations
• Manage customer expectations around weather, logistics and trip delivery
• Ensure smooth day-to-day coordination of tourism and education programmes

Staff Leadership & Coordination

• Act as the primary operational link between staff and business owners, ensuring clear communication, accountability and follow-through on operational matters
• Coordinate staffing requirements across tours and education programmes
• Conduct regular staff check-ins and provide day-to-day leadership
• Support guides with operational decision-making and logistics
• Foster accountability, communication and a positive team culture

Duke of Edinburgh Programme Coordination

• Manage administration and coordination of our Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey programmes
• Liaise with schools, students and parents
• Coordinate Online Record Book (ORB) processes
• Organise programme logistics, scheduling and staffing requirements
• Support communication and planning throughout the school term

Systems & Administration

• Maintain operational documentation and staff information systems
• Support staff accountability for safety reporting and record keeping
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and workflows
• Coordinate vehicle, equipment and supplier requirements
• Maintain operational readiness across the business

About You
We’re looking for someone who can thrive in a small-business environment and enjoys bringing order and structure to a business with many moving parts.

You’ll be organised, practical, calm under pressure, and happy to muck in wherever needed. You’ll enjoy solving problems, supporting people, and taking ownership of your work. No two days are ever the same at Auckland Sea Kayaks, so adaptability and a positive attitude are important.

You’re a strong communicator who enjoys working with a wide range of people and has proven experience leading or supervising a team. You may come from a tourism, outdoor education, or operations background, but most importantly you’ll be someone who enjoys making things happen and is excited by the opportunity to play a key role in the future growth of Auckland Sea Kayaks.

Must Have

• Experience in administration, operations and team coordination
• Experience leading or supervising a small team
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence juggling multiple priorities and competing demands
• Strong problem-solving ability and sound judgement
• Proven ability to work independently and take ownership of outcomes
• A full clean New Zealand driver’s licence
• Eligibility to work permanently in New Zealand
• Willingness to undergo police vetting and sign our Child Protection and Drug & Alcohol policies

Bonus Points For

• Experience in tourism or outdoor education sectors
• Experience using booking systems such as Rezdy, FareHarbor or similar
• Ability to tow a trailer

Kayaking experience is not required, however an enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure tourism is appreciated.

Hours & Flexibility

• Approximately 32 hours per week
• Monday to Friday
• Flexible hours available, provided there is regular overlap with our afternoon guiding operations
• Must be willing to occasionally monitor phones and reservations on weekends during peak summer periods.
• This is not expected to be a regular requirement, but the successful applicant should be comfortable providing occasional operational cover to support business continuity

This role would suit someone looking for meaningful work with flexibility. As a family-owned business with young children ourselves, we understand the realities of balancing work and family life and are open to discussing working arrangements that suit both the successful applicant and the business.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible working environment
• Small, supportive team
• Opportunity to make a real impact on the business
• Significant autonomy and responsibility
• Outdoor industry lifestyle
• Work with a respected and established Auckland tourism and outdoor education business

Salary will be based on experience and capability, with an indicative full-time equivalent range of $70,000–$80,000 per annum, pro-rated to agreed hours. We are hoping for a candidate who is interested in working 30-35hrs per week.

If you’re an organised people-person, with good banter and a willingness to get stuck in, we’d love to hear from you.