Our client, Repair Network Aotearoa (RNA) is the national lead of the rapidly expanding Repair Movement across Aotearoa New Zealand. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori values such as kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga, RNA scales repair as a strategic vehicle for environmental stewardship and community resilience.
The RNA partners with cross sector communities to cultivate repair skills, exchange knowledge, and amplify local resilience. - Through repair cafés, education, partnerships and Right to Repair advocacy, they empower people to extend the lifecycle of everyday items, mitigating waste while deepening community connections.
By championing accessible, circular solutions, the RNA is shaping a future where repair is the norm and resources are authentically valued, and communities thrive.
About the role:This is a unique opportunity to develop and implement the first permanent community repair hub, the “repair co-lab” in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland in line with RNA’s purpose. The goal is to build awareness, engagement and capability around a repair and reuse culture in Aotearoa NZ. You will help build the team, embed the systems and processes, and co-create a repair hub that is shaped by the wider community.
As the Operations Manager, you'll work closely with the CEO to lead meaningful change within a values-led organisation by bringing your hands-on expertise, people skills, and dedication to te taiao to a collaborative, purpose-driven team.
Key responsibilities - Help bring the repair co-lab to life
- Manage the day-to-day repair hub operations
- Oversee onsite repairs ensuring they’re logged, completed safely and performed to a high standard
- Ensure space, workshop tools and equipment are well maintained and organised
- Deliver a regular programme of activities for the community and businesses
- Ensure health and safety protocols are implemented and followed
- Build and manage relationships with key stake holders including freelancers, volunteers, the zero waste community and local boards
- Support events, workshops, and in-store activations
- Track and grow onsite income generating activities
Who we’re looking for:
Ideally, you’ll have at least 5 year’s hands-on experience of operational management, and confidence working in a busy, team-based environment. You’ll bring a warm, engaging and positive leadership style to the role, building community and positioning the repair co-lab in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland for future growth and sector collaboration.
Skills required: - Strong administration skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship management
- Exceptional communication skills
- A strong commitment to health and safety and wellbeing
- Work to budget
- Ability to implement systems and processes
- Confidence working with the general public, repairers, local businesses and key stake holders including those in the zero-waste community
This is a newly created role, so you have an opportunity to make your mark. It’s important that you can handle ambiguity and be able to show initiative and not be afraid to try new ways of doing things.
Experience in repair, reuse, or social enterprise would be an advantage.
What you can expect:
You’ll have the support of a visionary Founder with an unwavering commitment to the repair and reuse movement in Aotearoa NZ, alongside a network of staff and volunteers who facilitate knowledge-sharing within the repair co-lab.
- The role is a structured 32 Hour Week that is designed to support both productivity and well-being.
- Tuesday to Friday with some flexibility around a weekend day as and when required.
- High Impact work- a chance to shape the national repair landscape and circular economy
- Kaupapa-led environment- Active engagement with Ngā Pou (The RNA’s Five Pillars), ensuring community-led initiatives are strategically aligned with their core cultural and operational framework.
You will join a high-calibre, foundational team of like-minded professionals at repair co-lab, situated in Kingsland.
To apply: We’ve partnered with Kin to help us fill this key role; please apply by sending your CV and a short cover letter letting us know what appeals to you about this role and what you'd bring to it. If you’d like a confidential conversation before applying, please call Paula Harrington on 021 086 68365.
Please note: All applicants for this position must have NZ residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be eligible. This role needs to be filled quickly so all applicants must currently reside in NZ.
A full NZ or Restricted Drivers Licence is required.