Sport & Recreation Manager

Napier City Council is introducing a newly structured Sport & Recreation Manager role following its recent organisational redesign, reflecting a future-focused approach to delivering high-quality community services. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across Napier’s sport and recreation facilities, programmes, and initiatives, ensuring services are aligned with community needs, optimised for participation, and delivered efficiently.

As part of a high-performing team, you will lead the development and implementation of integrated strategies, oversee key facilities including McLean Park, Napier Aquatic Centre, and Bay Skate, and support growth projects while embedding innovative ways of working. This role combines strategic influence with hands-on leadership, giving you the opportunity to shape sport and recreation outcomes across Napier.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Napier City Council’s sport and recreation services, facilities, and programmes, ensuring alignment with community needs, Council objectives, and long-term sustainability.
• Oversee key facilities and initiatives, driving operational excellence, health and safety compliance, and growth projects while maximising participation and economic impact.
• Develop integrated strategies and programmes that balance community outcomes with financial sustainability, and embed innovative, modern ways of working across the team.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, mentoring, and continuous improvement, while maintaining strong engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Management, Sport & Recreation, or a related field; postgraduate qualifications in Sport Management or Public Administration desirable.
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in governance, business management, or development roles, including at least 3 years in leadership positions.
• Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth, optimise facility utilisation, balance community wellbeing with financial sustainability, and develop and deliver sport and recreation strategies.
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships with internal teams, regional and national sports bodies, community organisations, iwi/Māori, schools, and commercial partners.
• Experience leading change management, modernising processes, and delivering measurable improvements in community engagement, facility performance, or programme outcomes.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier CDB.

The annual salary package for this role is between $130,100-$153,100 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 10 October 2025 however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Sport & Recreation Manager