30 May 2022

GENERAL MANAGER

• South Island based role with workplace location open to negotiation
• Career development opportunity
• Provide strategic direction and oversight
• Community leadership and commercial partnerships
• Accountability for a large geographic area
• High level of autonomy

The Southern Zone Rugby League (SZRL) encompasses the whole of Te Waipounamu.  As a Zone of New Zealand Rugby League, SZRL is responsible for the growth and development of rugby league alongside the districts and clubs in Te Waipounamu.

Since 2010, the SZRL has actively supported its clubs and districts to increase game participation by creating a positive environment for players, officials, volunteers, and whānau alike. Driven by our vision: to create stronger more connected communities, and with our core values of courage, inclusiveness, respect, passion, and dedication, the Southern Zone is focused on making a positive difference to communities all over Te Waipounamu.

After more than 12 successful years at the helm, the incumbent General Manager has decided to embark on a new adventure.  Our Zone is therefore seeking a new energetic and engaging leader who can positively build on the strong structural and financial base that has been established.

Reporting to the Southern Zone Board of Directors, you will be a strategic and commercially astute leader, taking overall responsibility for all the activities of SZRL, in line with its strategic, community, and financial goals.  Understanding the dynamics of sport and a relevant tertiary qualification are highly desirable, however superior communication skills with a track record of fostering stakeholder engagement and building relationships with the ability to relate at all levels of the community will be essential.

To provide the level of leadership necessary to be successful in this role, the General Manager will possess the following attributes:

• An appreciation of the strategic issues facing sport and the potential for Rugby League to add value to the communities the game serves.
• The ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholder groups including core membership, commercial partners, and the wider community.
• A sound understanding of te ao Māori and Pasifika culture would be advantageous.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and an organisational culture where accountability to stakeholders is measured by achievement of clearly defined outcomes.
• Sound working knowledge of financial reporting and performance management processes in order to ensure the financial sustainability of the Zone.
• An ability to be able to maximise revenue generation opportunities via understanding of the sponsorship and/or funding sectors.
• A strong work ethic and willingness to ‘roll your sleeves up’ to get the job done with limited resources.

If you possess the qualities, passion, and drive required to lead the SZRL in its path forward and want to make the most of this significant and exciting opportunity, please apply by sending a CV and covering letter to steve@nzrl.co.nz.

A Position Description for the role is available on request or by going to the Southern Zone website www.sporty.co.nz/sirl 

Applications close 5pm Monday 20th June 2022