Deputy General Manager Site Pathways - Rolleston Prison at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Canterbury (Waitaha)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Showcase your values-led leadership and shape strategy that reduces re-offending and contributes to safer communities
• Strengthen leadership and culture, building management capability and driving sustained organisational change
• Full-time, permanent position based at Rolleston Prison

Kōtahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi | There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is committed to transforming the way we support people in prison to lead crime‑free lives. Guided by international best practice and our organisational strategy, Hōkai Rangi, we focus on rehabilitation, learning, and employment pathways that improve outcomes for people, their whānau, and our communities.

The Deputy General Manager Site Pathways at Rolleston Prison is a key leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering an integrated system of rehabilitation, education, employment, and reintegration services. This position plays a critical role in reducing re‑offending and contributing to safer communities across Aotearoa.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will provide strategic and visible leadership across teams spanning education, case management, and employment and industry training. You will ensure these functions operate as a cohesive, high‑performing system rather than in isolation, with a strong focus on service quality, cultural responsiveness, and measurable outcomes.

In this role you will:

• Play a key role as a member of the site leadership team, contributing to site‑wide strategy, operational planning, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure services are integrated, and take a unified approach to shared goals
• Provide strong, visible leadership to managers and teams, promoting accountability, capability, and a learning‑focused workplace
• Translate the vision and principles of Hōkai Rangi into everyday practice, service design, and leadership behaviours
• Build and sustain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including iwi, community partners, and reintegration providers
• Monitor service performance and outcomes, using evidence and feedback to drive continuous improvement and innovation

Mōu | About you

We are looking for a visible, hands‑on leader who brings flexibility, courage, and ownership to their leadership. You are confident leading through change, willing to think differently, and motivated to grow and improve systems, services, and people. You set clear direction while remaining adaptable, keeping teams engaged, motivated, and focused through periods of challenge and transformation.

Along with the above, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven senior leadership experience supporting and developing managers, with responsibility for business planning, people leadership, and performance management
• A sound understanding of the factors impacting rehabilitation and reintegration, with strong knowledge of, or the ability to work effectively with, government and non‑government agencies in the social and justice sectors
• A strong commitment to Hōkai Rangi and to lowering the disproportionate representation of Māori within the Corrections system
• Cultural capability and humility, including the ability to understand and respect different perspectives, particularly te ao Māori
• A demonstrated commitment to developing people and leaders, contributing to culture change and improved organisational performance
• Well‑developed relationship and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships that take account of differing priorities and pressures
• Experience and understanding of business reporting and financial management

Custodial knowledge and/or experience would be an advantage but is not essential.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The starting salary for this role is Step 1, Scale C of the Managers collective, which is $136, 332 per annum as of 1^st July 2026.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Tuesday 19th May 2026.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.