Senior Ops Manager in a specialist vehicle regulator. Lead a small technical team, drive delivery, compliance & stakeholder outcomes in this NZ peak body. Full description.

• Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association
• Senior Operational Management Role
• Specialist Technical Environment
• Join a friendly and supportive team contributing to New Zealand's road safety.
• National impact, high-quality service excellence and innovation
• Permanent Management role Porirua, Wellington

The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA) is New Zealand's recognised authority for low volume vehicle certification and modification standards.

Operating as a small, expert-led peak body [central organisation that speaks for an industry and helps set or influence standards, rules, and direction], LVVTA delivers a nationally significant regulatory service that enables safe vehicle modification while supporting innovation across the automotive sector. The organisation is known for its technical credibility, practical approach, and strong relationships across industry and government.

This is a lean, outcomes-focused environment where operational excellence, accuracy, and stakeholder trust are critical.

The Role

Lead the day-to-day operational performance of New Zealand's specialist low-volume vehicle certification system. This is a hands-on operational management role in a small, highly technical, and respected organisation operating at the intersection of engineering, compliance, and public safety.

You will manage a small but highly skilled team of expert technical and operational specialists, ensuring effective service delivery, strong stakeholder relationships, and continuous improvement across all operational functions.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Operations Manager - Technical Services is responsible for leading operational delivery across technical, engineering support, administration, and service functions.

This role is not a strategic executive position - it is a senior operational management role focused on delivery, coordination, people leadership, and performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting a small team of technical experts and operational staff.
• Managing day-to-day operational workflows, priorities, and service delivery.
• Overseeing complaints, audits, investigations, and certification-related processes.
• Driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Supporting regulatory compliance and quality assurance outcomes.
• Coordinating stakeholder engagement across industry, certification partners, and government agencies.
• Managing projects, contracts, and operational reporting.
• A curiosity for innovation and continuous improvement, including the practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to support operational excellence, knowledge sharing, and organisational effectiveness.
• Supporting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.

About You

You are a capable and grounded operational manager who thrives in structured but technical environments. You enjoy leading experienced professionals and ensuring work gets delivered accurately, efficiently, and consistently. You will bring:

• 10+ years' experience in operations, service delivery, or technical management roles.
• Experience leading small teams of professionals or technical specialists.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication capability.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a regulated or compliance-driven environment.
• Experience with process improvement, workflow management, or service delivery optimisation.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Highly regarded experience

• Automotive, transport, engineering, aviation, defence, or infrastructure sectors
• Regulatory, compliance, certification, or safety-critical environments
• Technical service organisations

You will have a genuine interest in vehicles, engineering, motorsport, or automotive modification culture, which would be an advantage.

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior operational role within a specialist national organisation where your work directly contributes to vehicle safety and industry standards across New Zealand.  You will benefit from:

• A highly experienced and knowledgeable technical team.
• A stable, respected national organisation with purpose-driven work.
• A varied role spanning people, process, and stakeholder engagement.
• A collaborative and professional working environment.
• Modern Porirua office with free parking.

Applications are welcomed from experienced operational managers within engineering, transport, automotive, infrastructure, aviation, defence, technical services, certification, regulatory or compliance-driven environments."

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter (in Word, please) outlining your relevant operational management experience via the Apply button. For a confidential discussion, contact Amanda Scott, Consulting Director, TalentNow! 021784483.

Applications close: Friday 26 June 2026

Applications will be reviewed as received, and suitable candidates may be contacted before the closing date.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Only candidates meeting the above criteria will be contacted.

Short description.