Area Manager (Wellington)

About this role

• Lead a team making a real difference to safer outcomes for Aotearoa
• Grow and support kaimahi to build capability and confidence
• Create an inclusive, high-performing team culture where people thrive
• Balance operational delivery with coaching and development
• Permanent role based in Wellington
• Starting base salary range: $152,761-$168,932

About Us

He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Hello, Kia ora, Noa'ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō ni, Kia orana , nǐ hǎo, Kamusta.

WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi comes home healthy and safe. We live by our values:

• Whakakotahi – we are united in a strong purpose
• Kōrero mai – we engage meaningfully 
• Tiakina mai – we are entrusted with a duty of care

About your team / Ko te tīma

You'll lead a diverse, multidisciplinary Inspectorate team working across Wellington and the wider region. This is a supportive, purpose-led team who care about the impact of their mahi and how they show up for each other and for the communities they serve.

You'll work closely with Regional Leadership and partners across your area to deliver better health and safety outcomes, while building a culture where people feel supported, included and empowered to do their best work.

About the role / Ō te tūranga

As Area Manager, you'll guide and support an integrated Inspectorate team to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes across your area. You'll play a key role in shaping how work is prioritised and delivered, using insights and data to support good decision making and sustainable performance.

This role is well suited to someone who enjoys being close to the operational heartbeat of a team, while also investing time in developing people, strengthening capability, and creating a positive, accountable and inclusive team culture.

What You'll Do/ Ko tōu ake mahi

• Lead and support day-to-day operational delivery across your team 
• Coach and develop kaimahi to build confidence, capability and growth 
• Foster an inclusive, supportive team culture where people can thrive 
• Set clear expectations and support others to deliver on them 
• Use data and insights to guide priorities and decision making 
• Build strong, trusted relationships with stakeholders across your area 
• Provide oversight and support for complex work and investigations 
• Coordinate workflows and ensure work is managed effectively 

What You'll Bring / Ko ngā pukenga ōu

• Experience leading teams in an operational environment
• A genuine passion for developing people and growing capability
• Ability to create inclusive, positive and high-performing team cultures
• Confidence working with stakeholders and building strong relationships
• Knowledge of health and safety or a regulatory environment
• Sound judgement and ability to balance people, risk and delivery

You don't need to meet every requirement to apply, if this role excites you, we'd love to hear from you.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

Salary range / Awhe utu

The expected starting base salary is $152,761 -$168,932 (KiwiSaver/SSRSS employer contributions are additional). From 1 April 2026 our KiwiSaver employer contribution increased to 3.5%.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• Free life insurance for the duration of your employment 
• Health insurance & eyecare discounts  
• $400 home workstation contribution  
• 5 weeks annual leave  
• 15 days sick leave  
• Professional development opportunities 
• Employee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women's and Tū Rangatira Māori Network) 

How to apply / Me pēhea te tono

Click Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter.

AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking, let it support you, not replace you.
 
Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.

For queries, please contact: careers@worksafe.govt.nz.

WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. We believe different perspectives strengthen our mahi and help create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
 
Please let us know if you need any adjustments or support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

Applications close: 11.59pm, 29 June 2026