Operations Manager | Dart River Adventures

Lead iconic adventure operations in Glenorchy, where exceptional people, safety and unforgettable manuhiri experiences come together.

• Lead jet boat, transport and Funyak operations in one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular locations
• Shape safe, high-performing teams and outstanding manuhiri experiences
• Bring your commercial jet boat expertise to an iconic Ngāi Tahu Tourism business

Make your mark where the mountains meet the river

At Dart River Adventures, every day is shaped by the braided rivers, ancient landscapes and powerful stories of Te Wāhipounamu. Based in Glenorchy, this is an opportunity to lead the operational heart of an iconic adventure tourism experience—bringing together people, planning, safety and commercial performance to deliver journeys our manuhiri will remember long after they leave.

As Operations Manager, you will lead our Boat Driving, Transport and Funyak operations. You will balance the demands of today with a clear view of what is ahead, ensuring the right people, capability, resources and systems are in place across the seasons. Visible, calm and commercially minded, you will develop capable leaders, strengthen teamwork and keep safety and the manuhiri experience at the centre of every decision.

What you will lead

• Daily delivery across Boat Driving, Transport and Funyak operations, including tour capacity, staffing and resource decisions.
• Plan ahead for seasonal demand, ensuring the right people, resources and operational capability are in place to meet business needs.
• Safe operating practices, river hazard management, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
• Coaching and development of operational leaders and teams, with clear expectations and accountability.
• Strong coordination across customer services, workshop, transport, sales and wider Ngāi Tahu Tourism teams.
• Accurate operational reporting, payroll oversight and well-maintained equipment, facilities and systems.

What you will bring

You will be an experienced operational leader who knows how to earn trust on the ground, make sound decisions under pressure and bring out the best in people. You will combine practical river knowledge with strong planning, communication and commercial judgement.

• Proven people leadership experience in adventure tourism, transport or another safety-critical operational environment.
• At least five years’ commercial jet boat driving experience, with strong knowledge of river conditions, safety protocols and quality visitor experiences.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational risk, hazards and regulatory compliance.
• Strong logistics, resource planning and multi-team coordination experience.
• A current Class 2 driver licence with Passenger endorsement.
• A current maritime licence appropriate to the role.
• A practical, accountable leadership style and a genuine willingness to grow your cultural confidence in Ngāi Tahutanga and te reo Māori.

Why Dart River Adventures?

This is more than an operations role. It is a chance to lead meaningful work in an extraordinary place, alongside people who care deeply about safety, each other and the experiences we share. You will join a values-led Ngāi Tahu Tourism whānau and help protect and grow the tribal pūtea for future generations.

Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us.

Ready to lead from the front?

If you have the operational leadership, commercial jet boat experience and commitment to safety this role calls for, we would love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and a cover letter telling us what you would bring to Dart River Adventures.

Dart River Adventures is committed to a safe and inclusive workplace. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks relevant to the role, including Ministry of Justice, drug and alcohol, reference, right-to-work and licence verification checks. Any screening will be completed with consent and in accordance with applicable law.

We value diverse perspectives and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who have the skills and experience to succeed in this role.