Lifesaving Training & Development Manager
Lifesaving Training & Development Manager
Lead capability. Shape learning. Drive excellence.
Across Aotearoa, our volunteer lifeguards have saved thousands of lives and ensured millions have come home safe after a day at the beach since 1910. Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is truly unique, delivering proactive surf lifeguarding and essential emergency rescue services, a range of public education beach safety programmes and campaigns, member education, training and development as well as a highly respected sport. This is a great opportunity to join a talented team who are dedicated to helping achieve our vision of “No-one drowns at the beach in Aotearoa New Zealand”.
People are at the heart of everything we do; we support our clubs, volunteers, and each other through our collective values of:
Collaboration • Integrity • Respect • Wellbeing • Fun
Why This Role Stands Out
- Be at the centre of developing the people who keep our beaches safe
- Use your leadership and training smarts to influence a regional lifesaving community
- Join a team that’s passionate, people-focused, and driven by purpose
What You’ll Be Doing
This is a key role responsible for making sure every lifeguard in the Northern Region gets the training, tools, and support they need to perform at their best. You’ll be leading the design and delivery of high-impact training initiatives, first aid programmes, seasonal refreshers, and strategic projects that lift operational capability.
You’ll work closely with our Training Advisory Group(TAG), clubs, volunteers, examiners, and national partners to deliver safe, structured, and meaningful learning experiences across the region. You’ll also keep a close eye on systems, data, and processes, making sure bookings, CRM updates, and programme planning run like clockwork.
Your Impact
- Design and lead regional training programmes that lift capability and confidence
- Drive continual improvement through development of a Lifesaving Capability Matrix
- Champion centralised first aid training and refreshers for a strong pre-season start
- Support volunteers, instructors and club leaders with systems and education tools
- Lead key working groups like the Training Advisory Group (TAG) and work collaboratively with the national education team
What You’ll Bring
- Deep understanding of operational Surf Life Saving
- Experience managing teams, training programmes or education projects
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, especially with volunteers and clubs
- Strategic thinking with a keen eye for detail and process improvement
- Confident communicator with great planning, IT, and problem-solving skills
- Bonus: you love seeing people grow and thrive through education
Why Join Us
At Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, we live and breathe purpose. We’re all about saving lives, supporting people, and making our beaches safer. You’ll join a close-knit, values-driven team that believes in collaboration, wellbeing, and doing good things with great people.
If you’re ready to step up and lead the learning that powers lifesaving excellence. Apply now and help shape the future of lifeguarding in Aotearoa.
