Job Description

For those who dream bigger!

At the Hermitage, Aoraki/Mount Cook, our guests stay with us because of the unique location, amazing views, excellent service, and the one-off experiences we provide. Our team members choose to work with us because of the extraordinary career opportunity it is to work in the national park whilst delivering memorable guest experiences. Our team see every aspect the of the hospitality industry, whilst gaining a unique experience that develops their career, and can be transferred when they are ready for the next exciting adventure.

Are you an engaging and safety-focused leader with a passion for showcasing unique environments to national and international guests? Our Activities Manager is looking for an experienced and hands on Operations Manager with a depth of Maritime knowledge and Skipper experience to lead our Glacier Explorers (GE) operation to deliver guided trips on the stunning Tasman Glacial Lake in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

As Operations Manager, you will live and work in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and be responsible for the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of all Glacier Explorers operations. You’ll oversee daily activities on both land and water, ensuring full compliance with Maritime NZ regulations, while leading and developing a high-performing team of Skippers who deliver memorable guided trips for our guests.

Working within the Activities leadership team, this is a fantastic and unique hands-on leadership role that balances operational oversight, team management, safety/compliance, commercial awareness, and guest satisfaction in a dynamic community and environment.

What will you bring to the role?

• You are a confident leader who takes pride in their work with strong operational experience in maritime or adventure tourism.
• Your energy and pride to deliver outstanding guest experiences through amazing service.
• Tenure as a Qualified Skipper with a passion for skippering craft on lakes or open water.
• Demonstrable operational experience working with Maritime NZ regulations, developing safety procedures, health & safety systems, hazard management, and risk controls.
• Experience managing staff rosters, resource allocation, and operational planning.
• Skill in recruitment, training, growing talent, and performance management.
• Knowledge and experience to manage budgets, expenses, and monthly reporting.
• Expertise to oversee maintenance and readiness of all vehicles and vessels
• Experience to undertake operational planning, policy development, and continuous improvement
• A full, clean NZ driver’s licence (or international equivalent), ideally with a Class 2 licence and P endorsement
• Have a Fit & Proper Person clearance and current First Aid Certificate (or able to obtain them)

The role and benefits:

• Full Time, Permanent role, working 80 hours per fortnight, salary range $95-$110k per annum.
• Live in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park with stunning surroundings and unparalleled views – a short and remarkable commute to work.
• Accommodation onsite in own accommodation at reasonable rent, including Wi-Fi and power.
• Free access to all activities offered by the Hermitage Hotel, after eight weeks service
• Generous discounts on food and beverage, available from your first day on the job.
• Discounted hotel accommodation for Friends and Family, after eight weeks service.

At the Hermitage, Aoraki / Mount Cook Alpine Village, we offer more than just a place to work – we offer a career lifestyle experience. If you love the outdoors, stunning mountains, being connected to nature, and changing seasons that include crisp snow and blue skies, then this role could be a perfect match and we would love to hear from you.

We are excited that you have read this far, and you're interested in working with us, but don't forget we are in a National Park, there are no shops, fast food outlets, or public transport, so if you can’t live without these, working for us will not be for you. Before you apply, read more about the location, climate, accommodation, working with us, and click on the Google Earth link to explore the village.