Assistant Operations Manager - Manawa Bay

About Auckland Airport and the Role

Auckland Airport serves as New Zealand's main gateway, welcoming travelers, supporting businesses, and contributing significantly to the community and economy. The airport aims to grow as a global hub through a comprehensive development program.

The Assistant Operations Manager will join the Manawa Bay team following an internal promotion. This key role involves collaborating closely with the Facilities Manager and Centre Management Team to maintain Manawa Bay as a safe, clean, vibrant, and welcoming environment for retailers and visitors. The focus is primarily on soft services management including cleaning, security, waste management, presentation standards, and sustainability efforts.

This position is hands-on and highly visible, requiring strong relationship building, contractor coordination, management of service levels, operational problem resolution, and driving continuous improvements within the center. The role is full-time and onsite, working Sunday through Thursday.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day soft services such as cleaning, security, waste handling, and sustainability initiatives.
• Develop and maintain solid relationships with contractors and service partners to ensure consistent high-quality service delivery.
• Conduct site inspections, audits, and quality assurance checks to comply with building standards.
• Lead sustainability programs including performing regular waste audits.
• Coordinate contractor schedules to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth experiences for customers and retailers.
• Respond promptly and effectively to operational challenges by implementing corrective actions.
• Assist in scheduling planned maintenance and contractor work.
• Support tenant fitout activities alongside the Retail Delivery Manager.
• Manage car park operations, including traffic flow and parking system oversight.
• Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring contractors follow site safety requirements and best practice procedures.
• Identify and propose opportunities to improve service quality, operational efficiency, and visitor satisfaction.

Candidate Requirements

• Preferably a minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, soft services, facilities management, hospitality, retail operations, or a similar client-focused setting.
• Proven track record managing contractors and service providers, notably in cleaning, security, and waste management.
• A strong commitment to delivering superior customer experiences and maintaining excellent presentation standards.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive, hands-on attitude with ownership over problem resolution.
• Comfortable using operational technology and quick to learn new systems.
• Good knowledge of Health & Safety standards in retail, hospitality, property, or facilities contexts.
• Technical facilities management knowledge is a plus, but emphasis on soft services, contractor coordination, and operational leadership is key.

Additional Information

This role may occasionally require after-hours work, including emergency response duties.

About Auckland Airport

Located at the heart of New Zealand’s transport network, Auckland Airport is a place of journeys and connections for travellers, businesses and communities. It embraces diversity and inclusivity and is deeply committed to sustainable growth and the wellbeing of Aotearoa. The organization values collaboration, expertise, and a proactive approach to enable a rewarding and impactful workplace for all.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time permanent position with working days from Sunday through Thursday, fully onsite.