The Whakapapa whānau are a small but ambitious team, running year-round operations on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu. In winter, from June until October, this includes a world-class ski area. In summer, from December until April, this includes our summer sightseeing operation, heroing our iconic Sky Waka gondola. Each year we welcome hundreds of thousands of manuhiri (guests) to Whakapapa, many with life-long connections to the maunga (mountain) and surrounding region, some even third or fourth generation.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

No two days are the same at Whakapapa.

We’re looking for an experienced Maintenance Manager to join our leadership team and help keep critical infrastructure and mountain operations running safely and reliably year-round.

As a member of the Whakapapa Leadership Team, you'll play a key role in driving operational excellence, developing a high-performing team, and contributing to the ongoing success of the ski area.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the maintenance team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality outcomes.
• Overseeing daily maintenance operations, ensuring work is completed thoroughly, safely, and within agreed timeframes.
• Effectively manage administrative tasks and departmental reporting, ensuring smooth operational processes and maintaining high standards of accuracy and organisation.
• Planning, coordinating, and delivering maintenance projects, ensuring resources, budgets, and timelines are effectively managed.
• Managing departmental budgets, procurement, supplier relationships, and contractor performance.
• Supporting workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management within the team.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve operational efficiency and reliability.
• Managing maintenance systems, reporting, payroll, rostering, and departmental administration.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, contractors, suppliers, and external partners.
• Championing health, safety, and environmental best practice across all maintenance activities.
• Providing input into operational planning and supporting wider organisational objectives.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako ōu | Your skills and experience

You will ideally bring:

• Relevant trade qualification and/or tertiary qualification in engineering, facilities management or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in leading, delegating, and motivating a team to achieve successful results while maintaining high morale.
• Experience in overseeing recruitment, training and development, and performance management.
• Demonstrated experience managing a maintenance program, including preventative and reactive maintenance across varied asset types.
• Sound understanding of plant and equipment maintenance, workshop management, and use of digital maintenance systems (e.g., MEX).
• Proven experience in financial management, with the ability to manage resources within budgetary constraints.
• Knowledge and experience working with contractors, contract negotiation, and compliance.

For more information on the role, see the position description.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Gear up for the ultimate work adventure at Whakapapa. Joining Whakapapa unlocks a number of perks:

• A complimentary season pass for skiing and / or snowboarding, and access to day pass discounts for friends and family
• Free beginner and intermediate group lessons. Don't have equipment? You'll receive discounts on that too
• Exclusive food and beverage, and retail discounts, for use in Whakapapa's cafes and store
• Guaranteed base hours for all full-time and part-time staff
• Priority access and discounts to our on-mountain medical centre services

Your Whakapapa whānau experience is not just a job: you will build lifelong memories and experiences in one of the most beautiful and culturally significant places on earth!

Remuneration range - depending on experience

Tono mai - Apply now