Service Manager - Blenheim

Service Manager

Lead change and deliver outcomes through strong people-centred leadership. Manage a team committed to making a difference for individuals, whānau & our communities. Permanent, full-time role based in Blenheim.

He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He Kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. - What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge. It is communication.

Hōkai Rangi is Ara Poutama Aotearoa's (Department of Corrections) strategy that expresses our commitment to achieving better outcomes for the people in our management and their whānau, addressing the over-representation of Māori in the corrections system, and reducing reoffending.

Central to Hōkai Rangi is a focus on humanising and healing. Ara Poutama Aotearoa leaders place strong emphasis on building manaaki-based relationships with those in our management and their whānau, supporting their wellbeing, and modelling this approach for their teams.

About the role

As a Service Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering on this commitment. You'll lead others to achieve results, live the values of Ara Poutama Aotearoa, demonstrate genuine leadership, and strive for high performance that supports our organisational strategy.

With rehabilitation being our primary focus, a One Team approach is paramount to ensure people in our management remain at the centre of our efforts and victims at the centre of our concern. By providing professional leadership in all aspects of practice, legislation and offender management, you will maintain quality standards and ensure statutory obligations in line with Department policy.

This is a challenging and rewarding space to work; leading a team to make change that matters to individuals, their whānau and our communities.

Skills and experience

We're looking for an inspirational and visible leader of teams, the kind of individual who leads and people naturally want to follow. To be successful, you will have the following skills and attributes:

• Effective leadership skills that motivate staff and promote team involvement, along with a commitment to staff development
• Be focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice implementation, championing regional and national initiatives
• Excellent communication skills and a solid ability to build both internal and external relationships
• The ability to influence outcomes and make good decisions in line with policy and procedure
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with iwi and other cultural groups as well as community and restorative justice groups and other government departments
• Be prepared to lead cultural awareness, have the ability to work in a te ao Māori space, and be open to further expanding own cultural capability
• Good understanding of, and appreciation for meeting Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and statutory requirements
• Experience and understanding of business reporting requirements including finance
• Previous leadership experience in a public sector agency is desirable, but not essential.

The benefits

The starting salary for this position is $116,286 which is step of Scale B1 of the Frontline Manager's Collective Agreement. We are also able to offer:

• 5 weeks annual leave per annum
• Fitness Passport offering discounted gym membership (subject to availability in your area)
• Eye exam & eyewear reimbursement for eligible staff (conditions apply)
• Access to EAP & Staff Support Networks
• Subsidised medical insurance

About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday 27th September 2026.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.