About the Role (Permanent, Full Time – 40 hours per week)

We are on the hunt for an Alps2Ocean Trail Manager to take the lead on the management and oversight of the Alps2Ocean cycle trail which takes cyclists through the beautiful Mackenzie and Waitaki districts. With the trail starting at Aoraki Mt Cook and finishing at the ocean in Oamaru, this role will see you work to make one of Aotearoa’s most scenic great rides a ride to remember.

This is a varied role that requires a range of different hats and background work to ensure the success of the trail, including working on strategic and operational plans to provide a positive visitor experience, developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, and working with MDC and WDC to ensure operations align as this is a cross-council function.

Other responsibilities include:

· Work with the A2O Joint Committee to bring the trail vision to life

· Create business cases to secure funding for the continued development of the trail

· Ensure that Health and Safety requirements relating to the trail and trail users are properly followed and escalated as necessary

· Work with various stakeholders, including Regional Tourism Operators, A2O Reference Group, and DOC, are updated on relevant A2O information and supported at needed

· Assist with the marketing and promotional activities of the A2O trail

As this is a cross-council role, it can be based in either Twizel (MDC) or Oamaru (WDC), however this can be discussed further with the successful applicant.

About You

We are looking for someone who is confident in leading their function and really owning their space, particularly in a role that has competing priorities and a plethora of stakeholders relying on prompt and comprehensive exchange of information. This means you will have:

· At least 5 years' experience in the tourism or recreation sector, as well as business management experience

· A relevant tertiary qualification related to tourism or recreation, or equivalent demonstrated experience

· A current and valid full Class 1 drivers’ licence

· Membership of an appropriate professional body (e.g., NZRRP, Recreation Aotearoa)

· Demonstrated computer literacy in MS Office suite and online document management system (e.g., Laserfiche)

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· The ability to work autonomously and within a cross functional team

What We Can Offer You

· A competitive salary to be discussed with the successful candidate

· Annual salary review and regular performance reviews to promote progression in your role

· A range of staff benefits including health insurance, professional memberships, and a range of retail discounts including discounted fuel.

· A supportive team and manager that values both autonomy and teamwork to achieve a shared vision

About Mackenzie District Council

At Mackenzie District Council we work together as a team to deliver the best outcomes for our district. We are crafting new ways of working together, and each one of us has an essential role in making our district the best place to live, work and play.

This could be the first step on a journey that sees you living and working in this iconic part of New Zealand. People travel from all parts of New Zealand and the world to experience our back yard with its geography dominated by the iconic Aoraki Mount Cook, and Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki provide a fantastic opportunity to escape the urban sprawl. With only a 45-minute drive from Timaru, you get the best of both worlds – experience the seaside in the city and the mountains in the mighty Mackenzie!

As part of Team Mack, we aim to give superb service to our customers, working together as a team, building a culture where we can all contribute our ideas, focusing on outcomes.

How to Apply

If some or all of this role aligns with you, please click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts. If you would like a copy of the position description, click here. If you would like more information about the role or Mackenzie District Council, contact Nicole Colvill, HR & Health & Safety Coordinator, for a confidential chat on 027 217 6858 or nicole.colvill@mackenzie.govt.nz.

Applications close 02 June 2026