Area Manager - Schools & SESTA

Overview

At Ritchies, we’re not just moving people – we’re connecting communities.

As one of New Zealand’s largest and most trusted transport providers, we play a critical role in helping people get to school, work, and everywhere in between, safely and reliably. With a proud Kiwi history and a focus on innovation, safety, and service, we’re passionate about doing things the right way, for our people and our passengers.

We have an exciting leadership opportunity for an Area Manager - Schools & SESTA to join our Auckland operations team.

About the Role

Reporting to the West Auckland Area Manager, you’ll oversee the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of our school bus and SESTA (Specialised School Transport Assistance) services across multiple sites for our North / West Auckland and Rodney operational areas.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll work closely with Managers, Operations Supervisors, school and SESTA teams, and cross-functional departments to ensure service excellence, health & safety compliance, and a positive experience for passengers and our people.

You’ll also play a key role in :

• Driving operational performance and financial sustainability
• Building and maintaining relationships with customers, government partners, and regulatory agencies
• Embedding a strong safety culture and championing compliance
• Leading change, continuous improvement, and business growth

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for a confident and capable leader who brings :

Bonus points if you have a tertiary qualification in business, logistics, or a related discipline.

Why Join Ritchies?

Ready to Lead and Make a Difference?

If you’re a driven and experienced operations leader ready to step into a rewarding role, we’d love to hear from you.

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