Regional Sports Manager – Eastern Region
Regional Sports Manager – Eastern Region
Full Time – 40 hours per week | Mount Maunganui Based
Help grow Lifesaving Sport and support the volunteers who keep our beaches safe.
- Supporting 19 Surf Life Saving Clubs across Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne
- Leading the delivery of Regional Lifesaving Sport events annually
- Support the development of athletes, coaches and officials across the Eastern Region
Across Aotearoa, our volunteer lifeguards have saved thousands of lives and ensured millions have returned home safely after a day at the beach since 1910.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is truly unique. We deliver proactive surf lifeguarding and essential emergency rescue services, public education beach safety programmes, member training and development, and a highly respected sport.
This is your chance to join a passionate and dedicated team working towards our vision:
“No-one drowns on Aotearoa New Zealand beaches.”
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We support our clubs, volunteers, and each other through our values:
Collaboration • Integrity • Respect • Wellbeing • Fun
About the Role
The Regional Sport Manager leads the development and delivery of Lifesaving Sport across the Eastern Region, working with clubs throughout Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. In partnership with clubs, volunteers and regional committees, the role drives participation growth and strengthens sport capability across the region.
Based in Mount Maunganui and supporting clubs across the Eastern Region, this role plays an important part in developing athletes, coaches and officials while ensuring regional sport programmes align with Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s national sport objectives.
You’ll lead the planning and delivery of regional sport events annually, including championships, carnivals and development opportunities for athletes and officials.
Working alongside clubs and volunteers, you’ll help ensure events are delivered safely, professionally and in line with SLSNZ operational and health and safety standards.
About You
You’ll bring strong organisational skills and a passion for sport and community.
We’re looking for someone with:
- Experience in sport development, sport management or event delivery.
- Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working with volunteers and community organisations.
- Excellent planning and coordination capability.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
Knowledge of Surf Life Saving sport or the wider sporting sector will be an advantage.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to play a leadership role in growing Lifesaving Sport while supporting one of New Zealand’s most iconic volunteer movements.
You’ll help strengthen clubs, develop athletes and volunteers, and deliver exciting regional sport events across the Eastern Region.
You’ll also be part of a supportive and passionate team committed to making a real difference in our communities.
Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 depending on experience.
Apply Now
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
For a full Position Description, please click on the link at the bottom of this ad.
The closing date for all applications is 5:00pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
For more information about the position please contact Avan Polo – 021 773 542 or avan.polo@surflifesaving.org.nz