About the role
Lead the Christchurch hub and own the day-to-day running of tours. You'll lead from the front, on the road and in front of guests, leading driver-guides, planning and scheduling every departure, keeping the fleet tour-ready and making sure every guest gets an experience they'll talk about for years.
Key responsibilities
Set and hold a very high bar for guest experience; find the moments that make a tour unforgettable; use guest feedback and reviews to lift quality towards a 4.8+ combined review score
Jump on tours and lead groups yourself (covering shifts, launching new products); coach guides via ride-alongs and real-time feedback; recognise outstanding guiding
Recruit, train, support and motivate a high-performing team of driver-guides; build a friendly, cheeky culture
Build guide rosters around seasonal demand, leave and live bookings; plan routes, timings, stops and accommodation; review departures, combine low-load tours and make timely weather calls
Build strong relationships with partners including the TranzAlpine train, lunch providers, accommodation, activity operators and attractions; coordinate bookings, timings, guest numbers and dietary requirements; hold partners to premium standard
Plan servicing, COFs, repairs and licensing so vehicles are always clean, compliant and tour-ready
Ensure compliance with H&S legislation, NZTA requirements, DOC concession conditions and internal SOPs; be the main contact for operational issues and emergencies
Track KPIs (NPS, reviews, cost performance), prepare reports and contribute to planning with the GM
About you
Full NZ driver licence with P endorsement (essential)
A very high bar for customer experience
Outstanding, warm and engaging with guests
Exceptional organisation and attention to detail (planning, scheduling, route mapping)
Proven experience in an operations, logistics or transport management role
Strong leadership and coaching skills
Calm problem-solving under pressure
Clear communication and confidence with booking/rostering systems (e.g. Rezdy, Cartrack, Microsoft Office)
Tourism or guiding experience with small groups (bonus)
Knowledge of South Island destinations and routes (bonus)
About us
Cheeky Kiwi Travel runs New Zealand's best fully guided small-group tours. Proudly Kiwi owned and operated, we offer award-winning day and multi-day experiences across Aotearoa – authentic, personal and premium, with a cheeky attitude. Our guides are passionate local experts, and every tour should be safe, memorable and a heap of fun.
Benefits
A fun, collaborative, supportive team
Real ownership of a region and opportunities to grow with a fast-expanding tourism company
Travel perks