South Island Rural Manager

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for rural operations and environmental services? Rentokil Rural and Environmental Services (RRES) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Rural Manager to lead our operations across the South Island of New Zealand. This is a fantastic opportunity to manage the day to day operations of a fantastic team, drive strategic growth, and build strong stakeholder partnerships within a market-leading organization. About the Role: Reporting to the National Rural Manager, the South Island Rural Manager will be crucial in leading Rentokil's Rural Operations based out of Pleasant Point Timaru, Mosgiel Dunedin, Hokitika, and many other localised contract locations around the region. RRES undertakes wide ranging pest control activities in the South Island including ground and air operations to monitor and control pest species including rabbits, possum, mustelids, pest plants, right up to feral ungulates like pigs, deer, goats and cattle. With plenty of secured work ahead of us, you'll oversee and support the Operations Managers, Administration Team and Field Technicians to optimize service delivery, and cultivate a high-performing team culture. With significant opportunities still available in the market, we want to build our resources to effectively and strategically meet market demand, while meticulously managing financial performance, procurement, and tendering activities to ensure efficiency, compliance, and sustainable business growth. Key Responsibilities: People Leadership: Foster a positive and productive work environment, ensuring employees feel supported and motivated. Build strong, collaborative working relationships within the national team and the wider Rentokil Initial network. Lead and support key HR functions including recruitment, performance management, and disciplinary processes. Operational Management: Oversee South Island business activities and operations to ensure effective project planning and delivery, while ensuring we are meeting safety, quality, and financial objectives. Collaborate with the Rural Senior Management Team for national alignment and optimal resource allocation. External Relationship Management: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and industry stakeholders. Lead negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives. Project Management: Manage project development and operations to ensure timely completion and client satisfaction. Identify opportunities to optimize resources and improve efficiency. Strategic Planning & Reporting: Lead strategic planning and prepare essential business, financial, and performance reports. Financial Management: Provide accurate weekly financial forecasts for your project portfolio. Facilitate purchasing, negotiate pricing contracts, and manage costs within financial frameworks. Develop new revenue streams and ensure competitive, profitable pricing for tenders. Systems & Compliance Management: Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and accountability, ensuring adherence to global, Pacific, and local policies. Lead by example in promoting a strong safety culture. What You'll Bring: Essential Skills and Training: Health and safety training (NZQA, ISO45001 or similar) Strong leadership, interpersonal, and collaborative skills Project Management skills Contract negotiation skills Pricing and tender skills Essential Experience: 10+ years of people leadership experience 5+ years of thorough analytical and computer skills Preferred, but not essential: Comprehensive understanding of the Rural Pest Control market, opportunities, and risks. Controlled Substances Licence. NZ Firearms Licence. Competencies Required: Service - Deliver Results: Sets challenging goals, energized by exceeding goals, develops clear plans, overcomes obstacles, and challenges established ways of doing things to achieve goals effectively. Act Commercially: Uses business data and competitive environment research to develop plans, identifies key activities linked to high performance, reviews processes for improvement, and makes tough business decisions. Relationships - Manage Self: Aware of impact on others, adapts behavior, believes in problem-solving capability, seeks feedback for development, and sticks to beneficial decisions. Coach and Develop: Provides specific, balanced, positive, and developmental feedback. Work With Others: Seeks input, builds positive relationships, learns from others' experience, works in partnership, and resolves conflict. Teamwork - Display Leadership: Operates authentically, creates an environment for team performance, delegates effectively, demands high performance, and inspires others. Responsibility - Act Responsibly: Understands and follows SHE practices, considers sustainability in decisions, and takes ownership for actions, successes, and failures. Why Join Rentokil Initial? Rentokil Initial is a global leader in pest control and hygiene services. We offer a supportive and dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued. You'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our rural operations and contribute to our ongoing success. Apply Now! If you are a results-oriented leader with a strong background in rural operations and a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply.