The Opportunity

Lead with purpose. Build community. Drive a team forward.

At Ritchies, we've been helping New Zealanders get where they need to go for over 85 years. We're proud of our people, our fleet, and the essential role we play in connecting local communities safely every day.

We're now looking for an experienced and people-centred Depot Manager to lead our Whangarei depot, someone who knows how to run a high-performing operations, build strong relationships, and create a workplace where people feel supported and proud to belong.

If you thrive in a role where no two days are the same, have a passion for operational excellence, and enjoy bringing out the best in others, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Why join Ritchies?

• Be part of a respected Kiwi company with deep roots in local communities
• Enjoy the support of a knowledgeable regional and national team
• Lead a dedicated workforce of drivers and operational staff
• Grow your leadership capability with ongoing development opportunities
• Competitive package + the chance to shape the future of the Whangarei depot.

What you'll be leading

As Depot Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day operations and long-term success of the Whangarei depot. Your work will span across people, safety, fleet, customers, financials and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

You'll keep the depot running efficiently, safely and to a high standard overseeing scheduling, fleet management, maintenance, charter and tour operations, Intercity and SkyDrive services, as well as customer and stakeholder relationships.

You'll ensure we meet our commitments to clients and passengers, while identifying opportunities for business development and smarter ways of working.

A People Leader Who Brings Others With Them

Your leadership style will set the tone - engaging, supportive and centred around accountability and respect. You’ll manage and develop a team that includes supervisors, office staff, trainers and a large driving workforce (approx. 200–300 people).

You’ll take an active role in recruitment, performance management, coaching, succession planning and building a positive culture.

Safety First, Always

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll champion HS&W practices across the depot, lead incident investigations, ensure documentation is accurate and up to date, and never walk past anything unsafe. You'll model the culture of care we expect from every Ritchies team member.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

You’ll manage depot financials including quoting, invoicing, payroll oversight, expenditure and reporting. You’ll ensure accuracy, efficiency and commercial soundness in all areas.

Always Improving

You’ll look for ways to innovate, streamline, and lift performance, ensuring the depot keeps pace with changes in technology, industry expectations and best practice.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone with:

• 10+ years operational leadership experience
• Proven experience leading large, diverse teams
• Strong commercial acumen and planning capability
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Confidence juggling multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment
• Strong computer proficiency
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset

Desirable

• Experience in the public transport or logistics sector
• Tertiary qualification in business or operational management

Who you'll work with

You’ll partner closely with your Regional Manager, head office support teams, supervisors, workshop teams and drivers, along with our customers, schools, tour groups, and the wider Whangarei community.

Ready to lead a team that keeps Northland moving?

If you’re a hands-on leader who cares about people, takes pride in operational excellence and wants to make a positive difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of our Whangarei depot.