About Canteen Aotearoa 

At Canteen Aotearoa, we are dedicated to supporting, developing, and empowering rangatahi (young people) who have cancer in their lives. Leadership and peer connection are at the very heart of what we do. We ensure that youth voices directly inform the design, delivery, and evaluation of all our services. We are looking for an inspiring leader to step into our team for a 1-year maternity cover to keep our essential programmes thriving. 

The Role 

As the Programmes & Leadership Manager, you will oversee the development, coordination, and running of our peer support and youth development initiatives, including the flagship Leadership Aotearoa programme and our innovative Robots/Career Programme. 

You will provide vital line management and professional development to our passionate team of Youth Workers and our Robots/Career Coordinator, ensuring the highest quality of service delivery for rangatahi across Aotearoa. This role involves close collaboration with internal teams as well as managing key community and sector stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Programme & Digital Operations: Ensure all in-person and digital programmes are delivered safely, effectively, and aligned with our strategic goals.
• People Management: Manage, motivate, and mentor your direct reports, conducting regular catch-ups, professional development tracking, and annual performance appraisals. 
• Youth Leadership Development: Oversee the leadership development programme, camps, and events (including the yearly Leadership Aotearoa Camp). Build relationships with youth work organisations to strengthen community ties and resources. 
• The Robots/Career Programme: Provide strategic oversight and direct line management to ensure both the Robots and Career Programmes are delivered efficiently and to a high standard. 
• Compliance, Risk & Finance: Conduct thorough risk analysis for all activities, maintain strict awareness of child protection policies, assist with annual budget projections, and deliver accurate monthly reporting for the Board. 
• One to one Youth Work in a Clinical context: Work collaboratively with the National Clinical Manager to oversee Youth Worker caseloads, ensuring rangatahi are supported through a Youth Work lens, with appropriate risk management, clear professional boundaries, and thoughtful, well-informed approaches to their individual needs.

What We Are Looking For: 

• Qualifications: A tertiary qualification in youth work, project/event management, education, health, human services, or a related field. 
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in line management, leading and motivating high-performing teams in close alignment with organisational values. 
• Programme & Stakeholder Expertise: Strong background in educational/developmental design, group facilitation, complex project planning, and stakeholder management. Experience within education, health, or the NFP sector is a strong advantage. 
• Rangatahi Focus: A deep understanding of young adult learning and a passion for engaging, leading, and empowering rangatahi. 
• Practical Essentials: A current driver’s licence, the ability to obtain a first aid certificate, and the flexibility to travel and work evenings/weekends as required. 

Personal Attributes:  You are warm, approachable, and an active listener who maintains high professional integrity. You are a self-starter who works well autonomously, thrives under pressure, adapts quickly to change, and possesses exceptional attention to detail. 

Pre-employment Checks:  Because this role involves direct contact with tamariki and rangatahi, the successful applicant will be required to complete comprehensive police and child worker safety checks, alongside reference checks. 

How to Apply:  If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and lead a dedicated team supporting rangatahi across Aotearoa, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for this 1-year fixed-term role.