Operations Manager

Organisation: Able - www.able.co.nz 

Employment status: Full-time, permanent contract

Role level: Senior Leadership

Reporting to:  Chief Executive

Direct reports: Team Leader – Audio Describers; Team Leader – Caption Editors; Team Leader – Caption Producers; Schedule Coordinator; Media Coordinator

Location: Central Auckland offices (Grafton) 

Eligibility requirements: Applicants for this role must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa, New Zealand

About the role | Mō te tūranga

The Operations Manager is a crucial part of the Senior Leadership team. This role is responsible for managing Able’s day-to-day operations, and overseeing the production and delivery of the organisation’s media accessibility services to broadcasters and clients.

About Able | Mō Able

We’re a not-for-profit organisation working towards a more inclusive Aotearoa. We believe that everyone should be able to access Aotearoa’s stories, entertainment and culture. Funded by NZ On Air, we’re Aotearoa’s leading provider of media access services, including captioning, subtitling and audio description. Supported by cutting-edge technology, our talented team turns content into the shared experience it was made to be. 

About You | Mōu

You're a thinker and do-er, who is highly organised and knows how and when to pull the right levers to respond to changing situations. You're already successful in what you do and you are ready for a new challenge: overseeing Able’s operations to make media accessible in a dynamic time for the industry. You're comfortable with system management, reporting results, and day-to-day operational responsibilities. You never lose sight of the communities we serve, and balance this with leading our staff team with manaakitanga to ensure we consistently deliver our services to a high level.

Able's vision is for an Aotearoa in which everyone can access audiovisual media. So, it's no surprise that we look for people who are excited to make social impact by working towards a more equitable world. 

To be successful in this pivotal and varied role, we look for:

●      A proven track record in effective management of direct reports, and team leadership

●      Experience in prioritisation and pragmatically managing competing priorities

●      Experience with data management and reporting

●      Experience in the broadcast media sector is desirable.

●      A genuine passion for people, superb relationship skills and high levels of diplomacy

●      The ability to think strategically, and make tough calls when necessary

●      Pragmatic attitude, balancing a commitment to quality with efficiency

●      An ability to work well under pressure

●      Strong problem solving, prioritisation and project management skills

●      Ability to lead and role-model Able’s values

●      Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Oversee the production and delivery of captioning and audio description to clients

• Oversee the captioning and audio description workflows to ensure files are delivered in a timely manner

• Oversee captioning of live content, including breaking news

• Oversee commercial clients - quotes and projects

• Manage production resource, internal and external; lead delivery of rostering

• Manage production team remuneration budget, internal and external

Oversee the scheduling of captioned and audio described programming

• Work with the Schedule Coordinator to select and schedule captioned and audio described programming to a consistent and achievable level

• Ensure Able meets its commitments to NZ On Air through careful scheduling and monitoring of the targets

• Oversee the budget for overseas-produced files. Actively make changes to increase or decrease spending when required.

Recruitment, training and support

• Recruit and train team leaders and administration coordinators when vacancies arise

• Support direct reports with regular one-on-ones, assistance with all areas of their work

• Consult and engage with direct reports about changes made affecting operational processes

• Oversee recruitment of production roles (Caption Producers, Caption Editors, Audio Describers) and support team leaders with their teams

Manage and implement new operational projects

• Manage and implement operational projects related to the services Able provides, such as software or new services

• Actively follow and analyse global technology trends for media access services

Manage Able’s technical infrastructure and liaise with support providers

• Actively follow up all technical issues and champion Able’s cause with the supplier

• Manage Able’s operational relationship with external IT provider

• Hold a working knowledge of Able’s support contracts and service level agreements with support providers

Oversee administration processes to ensure the smooth running of Able’s services

• Ensure schedules, rosters, technical logs are kept up to date

• Assist with quarterly reporting to NZ On Air and annual reporting to Charities Services

 Contribute to the delivery of Able’s performance framework process

• Ensure the timely and efficient implementation of Able’s performance framework process each year.

• Assist team leaders with setting personal performance objectives and setting objectives for their team members.

 Payroll 

• Involved with delivery of information to Able’s external payroll contractor on a fortnightly basis. 

Support creation and delivery of Able’s strategic plans 

• Work with the board and senior leadership team to create and deliver strategic plans, and the corresponding operational plans. 

Health & Safety

• Works in a safe manner.

• Avoids placing self or others at risk.

• Produces timely and accurate reports of all accidents and hazards.

• Actively supports and participates in staff rehabilitation programmes.

• Asks when in doubt.

To Apply:

To apply, submit an application through this link: , ensuring you have attached your CV and cover letter. The online application is your first chance to share your experiences, achievements, and motivations for working towards a more accessible Aotearoa. Applications are open until Friday 3rd February.

We value diversity, and wholeheartedly welcome all applications. If there is anything we can do to make this process more accessible or inclusive, please be in touch at recruitment@able.co.nz.