Operations Manager Position Description

October 2015

This document is subject to review from time to time

Section A

Position: / Operations Manager
Reports to: / General Manager
Location: / Culverden, North Canterbury

Section B

Position Objective: / This role carries responsibility for ensuring the efficient and effective day to day operation of the Amuri Irrigation Company’s water distribution systems and is also responsible for asset management and planning to meet the current and future requirements of Amuri Irrigation’s water infrastructure to ensure the objectives of the company are met in a compliant, environmentally responsible, customer focused, cost effective and efficient manner.
The role covers asset management, operations and contract management, risk assessment and mitigation, resolution of customer technical complaints and problems, compliance with service targets, budget control, information acquisition, management of the team and finding opportunities for continuous improvement.
Functional Relationships: / Internally
  • General Manager
  • Racemen
  • Shareholders

Externally
  • Contractors
  • ECan & HDC
  • Other irrigation schemes
  • Industry groups

Staff Numbers: / Two staff plus contractors
Limitation of Authority / The Operations Manager is empowered to authorise expenditure or enter into contracts on behalf of Amuri Irrigation Company Limited. Financial: expenditure, both operating and capital, within the approved annual plan and budget.

Section C – Key Tasks and Specific Accountabilities

1 / Operational Management and Service Delivery
Expected Results
(a) / Manage the operation of the scheme to ensure that water delivery requirements are met. Ensure that all appropriate irrigation flows are met at all times.
(b) / Develop and implement effective water management plans and programs. Ensure effective planning and processes are in place to ensure delivery requirements are met.
(c) / Effectively manage the daily flow requirements of the scheme to ensure maximum efficiency and delivery.
(d) / Operate the monitoring equipment to ensure that the daily water supply requirements are met.
(e) / Manage and oversee the application of computer technology to assist with operations, as required. Acquire, and from time to time enhance, the computer skills necessary to satisfactorily perform employment duties.
(f) / Analyse and evaluate methods to ensure water operations effectiveness, performance and efficiency of operation. Suggest and incorporate new methodologies to improve work output and products, applying a comprehensive knowledge of the methods by which the water flows are regulated.
(g) / Ensure that the maintenance and routine cleaning of the intakes, water races and plant and equipment is carried out, in an effective and timely manner.
(h) / Ensure that the operation costs of the scheme are within the set budgets
(i) / Implement and manage performance targets
2 / Asset Management Planning
Expected Results
(q) / Optimise and maximise the use of existing assets
(b) / Preparation of the long term asset management plan, incorporating growth and demand scenarios
(c) / Asset criticality and risk management plans and Implement and manage performance targets
(d) / Preparation of the annual capital expenditure budget
(e) / Operational review of planned improvement works
(f) / Root cause analysis carried out to ensure most cost effective operation and repair options are adopted
(g) / Identification of potential risks to service and systems
(h) / Development and implementation of the Incident Management Plans
(i) / Integration of risk management into business practices and contracts
(j) / Liaison and coordination with Civil Defence and community operations
3 / Project Management
Expected Results
(a) / Provide reporting on maintenance, upgrade and expansion projects
(b) / Contract management, primarily for the operations and maintenance of the water distribution network
(c) / Manage budgets, timeframes and risk assessment of key projects
4 / Team Leadership and Development
Expected Results
(a) / Provide leadership within the organisation in continuous improvement in business performance
(b) / Provide expert support and advice to the team
(c) / Demonstrate professional representation of Amuri Irrigation Company
5 / Contract Maintenance, Procurement & Management
Expected Results
(a) / Development and negotiation of new contracts
(b) / Building strong and loyal relationships with contractors/suppliers
(c) / Managing performance of contractors/suppliers
6 / Environmental
Expected Results
(a) / Appropriate and timely input provided for the development of regional plans
(b) / Assist in managing public relations issues relating to environmental matters
(c) / Help convey any relevant information to shareholders/GM
7 / Shareholder relationships/engagement
Expected Results
(a) / Develop and maintain effective collaboration with internal teams and shareholders in activities relating to the development and maintenance of the water infrastructural assets
(b) / Interpret and understand customer expectations
(c) / Attend and contribute to monthly Directors meetings as required
(d) / Liaison with shareholders over land access for potential pipe upgrade
8 / Health and Safety
Expected Results
(a) / Risk assessment report on any potential hazards and recommendations to mitigate risk
(b) / Ensure compliance with new Health and Safety legislation requirements
(c) / Set budget in consultation with GM
(d) / Incorporate best practice and proven leading research into health and safety planning
(e) / Drive continual improvement and incorporate into health and safety planning
(f) / Ensure health and safety and operational issues are considered when operational decisions are made

9 General

Expected Results
(a) / Prepare comprehensive and accurate operation reports on a monthly and weekly basis and as required
(b) / Attend training and other seminars as may be required from time to time
(c) / Undertake any other general duties as required.

Section D – Person Specification

Qualifications

  • Relevant tertiary qualification is desirable

Experience

  • Practical experience in irrigation and/or water engineering (or a related industry) is an advantage
  • Proven experience in operational management
  • Hands on civil construction knowledge and/or experience is an advantage
  • Experience in scheduling and maintenance programmes
  • Experience in budgeting and cost control
  • Experience with, and/or knowledge of, the farming industry
  • Experience with, and/or knowledge of the civil engineering sector
  • Proven experience in leading a small team
  • Experience with health and safety and environmental issues

Knowledge and Skills

  • The ability to learn and disseminate technical information and understand Council bylaws, race structure, irrigation principles and geographical factors affecting the Waiau and Hurunui Rivers
  • Solid planning and organisational skills – must be able to work and cope within a demanding environment
  • Strong reporting and presentation skills both written and oral and strong computer literacy

Attributes

  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills – must be able to communicate and build appropriate relationships with shareholders, staff, the Board and external organisations including HDC, ECAN, DOC, NIWA, Fish and Game
  • Strong sense of community values and environmental awareness
  • Strong leadership style
  • Solutions focused whilst looking for continuous improvement
  • Developed problem solving skills