Operations Manager - Smartly - fixed term

This is a 12 month fixed term role
A bit about Smartly, a Datacom Company

We exist to make it simpler for Kiwi businesses to look after their people. We’re known as the simple way to sort your payroll for over 20,000 businesses. Our slick software combined with our awesome support team helps businesses pay their people on time, accurately and in line with legislation.

As a fast-growing FinTech expanding into adjacent markets, Smartly offers a fast-paced, fun work environment with great opportunities for personal and professional development.

About the Role (your why)

Our Operations team at Smartly is at the heart of ensuring the organisation runs smoothly, consistently, and at scale. This Operations Manager position sits at the intersection of operations, people experience and, internal communications., and change. You’ll be leading day-to-day office and operational services, partnering across the business to drive efficiency, engagement, and alignment, and implementing AI-first, continuous improvement initiatives that enhance our ways of working.

What you’ll do

At the moment, As an Operations Manager you will be focused on:

• Owning the effective delivery of core office and operational services, ensuring a well-run, organised, and supportive workplace.
• Leading and coordinating people-related operational processes such as onboarding, recruitment coordination, and lifecycle administration.
• Driving consistency and effective use of operational and people systems, processes, and practices.
• Acting as a central point of coordination for office operations and managing supplier relationships.
• Partnering closely with leaders and cross-functional teams to support internal communications, organisational change, and staff engagement initiatives.
• Translating operational decisions into clear people-focused communication, tailored to different audiences.
• Planning and delivering inclusive, engaging staff events and experiences.
• Leading process improvement and innovation initiatives, including exploring and implementing AI and automation solutions.
• Building strong cross-functional and supplier relationships.

What you’ll bring

Required experience:

• Experience in Operations, Business Operations, Workplace Operations, or Office Management roles, with strong people-related operational exposure.
• Minimum two years’ experience leading and managing a team.
• Experience in onboarding, recruitment coordination, and people operations activities.
• Proven experience in internal communications, with strong writing skills.
• Demonstrated history of supporting or coordinating operational and organisational change initiatives.
• Background in systems and process improvement.
• Experience planning and executing staff events and experiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, databases, HR systems, and CRM platforms.

Nice to have:

• Experience managing projects or coordinating at an executive level.
• Demonstrated experience with AI tools, automation, or smart technology solutions.
• Proven administrative and customer service support track record.
• Comfort with working in fast-paced, scaling environments.