Kaitaki Kawenga ā-Motu National Operations Manager

Company Description

Z has a clear purpose: Powering better journeys, today and tomorrow. As one of New Zealand’s largest transport energy companies, we have a commitment to delivering safe, secure, and reliable transport energy – with the opportunity to deliver new journeys, with new energy solutions in a changing world.

We are proud to be the Kiwi contingent in the Ampol Group, an independent Trans-Tasman energy company, with trading offices across the globe, which are united behind our shared purpose. While many of the challenges and opportunities we face go beyond national boundaries, together we have the scale, influence, and capability to deliver for our customers, communities, and our people.

Job Description

Our Supply team are the team that fuels our customers, literally! Supply at Z Energy looks after the whole fuel supply chain and ensures our customers have energy when and where they need it. Our terminals and aviation teams are a critical part of this network that includes high-hazard facilities, refuelling operations and industry joint ventures.

Due to an exciting internal move, we are pleased to provide an opportunity for a Kaitaki Kawenga ā-Motu National Operations Manager to join the Z whānau in this senior leadership role.

Taking accountability for the performance of our Terminals Network and National Aviation Operations, you will step into a broad role encompassing the ability to lead people, develop and deliver Z strategy, maintain safe and reliable operations, manage high-hazard assets and deliver financial outcomes.

One of Z’s strategic priorities in Te Ahunga, Our Strategy to 2028 is to secure value from a safe, scaled fuel supply chain and the Kaitaki Kawenga ā-Motu National Operations Manager plays a key role in this endeavour.

This role can be based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington or Ōtautahi Christchurch and involves regular travel across the motu.

You will have the opportunity to

• Deliver key aspects of Z’s strategy while developing operational improvements and efficiencies
• Participate as a key member of the Supply Leadership Team, offering enterprise leadership across a wide range of strategic and operational matters
• Create high performing teams by establishing a culture that enables safe, reliable, and compliant operations while focusing on personal wellbeing
• Ensure Z meets our customers’ expectations by ensuring high-quality fuels are available when they are needed
• Drive continuous improvement of Z’s safety management system and operational practices, including work instructions, processes, systems, procedures, and metrics
• Contribute to Z’s financial success by developing budgets, ensuring outcomes are delivered, and ensuring productivity-first mindset
• Lead a diverse and varied team while building leadership and operational capability and capacity to ensure high in year performance and future continuity is maintained
• Generate insights and lead change through regular on-site and virtual engagement with front-line teams, ensuring a strong connection is maintained to the people and the mahi

Qualifications

What you’ll bring to Z

• Strong orientation towards personal leadership and growth
• Experience and skills leading others via direct and indirect reports, with the ability to coach, guide and mentor
• A background in operational and/or organisational risk management practice with experience implementing and driving safety culture and operational excellence
• The ability to deliver results against agreed outcomes and strategy, a forward-thinking approach with the ability to drive change and improvements
• Experience in a high-hazard environment would be beneficial however, not essential
• The flexibility for regular travel

And of course, you’ll be passionate about what matters to Z, embracing and living our values to help us deliver on our aspirations and broader commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Z we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Additional Information

What we can offer you

• A competitive remuneration package including short-term incentive plan, medical insurance for you and your family, enhanced employer contribution for KiwiSaver
• The opportunity to grow, learn and develop new skills and experience in this exciting leadership role
• Generous leave provisions including sick leave, parental leave benefits and the option to buy additional leave
• The balance of hybrid working, enjoy some of your week at home and some in our welcoming office space
• Access to Z’s Benefits & Recognition platform providing you access to retail discounts and cashbacks at over 150+ retailers in Aotearoa New Zealand that assist with everyday living expenses
• The opportunity to contribute and be part of a supportive team that is here to make a difference
• A chance to build your own capability through learning from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable people who have a desire to share their insights along with access to upskilling opportunities and career development across the organisation
• Two days a year to do Good in your Hood, though our volunteering scheme, a chance for you to help others in your community in a meaningful way to you

The base salary range for this role is $240,000 to $270,000 per annum, plus 20% STI based on company performance, a 5% KiwiSaver employer contribution and health insurance through Southern Cross.

Why Z?

Z has always been a proud Kiwi company. We’re aspirational for our future, confident of our role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s success and deeply loyal to our customers, communities and people.

At Z we focus on achieving extraordinary outcomes by setting the appropriate context, rather than by telling our people what to do. By doing this, high performing and talented people deliver better results and are more personally fulfilled.

We care deeply for our people while pushing them to achieve their best as individuals and collectively as an organisation. Our flexible working approach and Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick accreditations - backed by our strong company values, Tū Kaha Stand Up, Tū Maia Speak Out, Tū Kotahi Side by Side - have created an open and inclusive workplace that promotes personal development and is underpinned by a desire for our people and our communities to succeed.

One of the things we stand for at Z is Diversity & Inclusion. It is our belief that having a diverse workforce make it possible for our people to truly be themselves and deliver on our aspirations for Z.

We’re distinctive in our approach and if you’re up for a challenge, we’d love you to be part of it. If Z sounds like a place you believe you can add value and grow your own capability, then make sure you read Our Why. This is our founding document and provides further insights in what it means to part of the Z whānau.

If Z feels like a good match for your head and your heart, come join us for one heck of a journey!

Whakauru | Apply

Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for Z.

Applications close: Friday 22nd August 2025

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

To be considered for this position you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.