Hockey - Head of Hockey

Add expected salary to your profile for insights
Auckland Hockey is looking for a high performing person to lead our Hockey Department in 2025!
This is an exciting opportunity to lead Auckland Hockey's community, representative and high performance programmes.
This is a new role that is responsible for leading our Hockey Department, including our Auckland 'way of play', hockey curriculum as well as player and coach pathways and development.
Established in 1903, Auckland Hockey is New Zealand's largest hockey association, with a proud and celebrated history.
We cover Auckland broadly from East to West, Central to South Auckland, with over 10,000 participants aged 5 to 75+
Auckland Hockey delivers Junior, Youth, College and Senior competitions to 6,950+ winter players and 3,100 summer players.
Our teams are supported by hundreds of volunteers, including coaches, umpires and officials.
We are proudly represented by 23 Senior Auckland teams competing at New Zealand's elite domestic tournament, the Ford National Hockey Championship (NHC), through to Masters and U18 age groups.
We are represented by an additional 16-20 Junior Auckland teams, through our U16 and U14 boys' and girls' programmes.
Apply online or by emailing a cover letter and CV to James Sutherland (CEO) via ***
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To develop and lead the implementation of Auckland Hockey's hockey programmes for our community, representative and high performance hockey stakeholders.
This role will be responsible for ensuring alignment with Hockey New Zealand's (HNZ) framework and Auckland Hockey's strategic direction.
This will include building connections and fostering relationships with schools, clubs, Auckland representative groups, regional training environments and Hockey NZ.
TERM/LOCATION/HOURS
The role will initially be a 12 month fixed term full-time contract, based at Auckland Hockey Stadium, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga.
There will also be travel within the community supporting clubs and schools, as well as some national travel associated with various national tournaments and Hockey NZ events.
Hours of work are flexible, with some weekend and evening work required given the nature of the role and Auckland Hockey programme delivery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS
Hockey Department Management and Delivery
Lead operational delivery of the Hockey Department, including managing and supporting existing (and any new) Hockey Department staff and contractors.
Develop, implement and lead Auckland Hockey's 'Hockey Strategy', aligned to AHA strategy and values.
Lead the delivery of Auckland Hockey's player and coach pathways, hockey curriculum and 'AHA hockey' strategy.
Develop and lead the implementation of the Hockey Department's Annual Plan, focusing on participation, development, growth of all ages and stages in our community as well as representative and performance pathways.
Ensure the annual Hockey Plan and Strategy is aligned with the national and Northern Region directions for community, representative and performance hockey.
Implement and enhance community development opportunities for AHA Club, School, Representative and Performance Coaches.
Management of all community and in-school programmes delivered by Hockey Department staff, contractors and volunteers.
Manage AHA and any relevant Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) aligned development initiatives for increasing participation, strengthening delivery structures and strengthening capability across our community.
Establish effective two-way communication with all key stakeholders and effectively communicate AHA strategies and initiatives.
Provide clear and attractive pathways to participants at all levels.
Implement, enhance and support the delivery of participation and development programmes, introducing children and their parents to hockey and Talent Development.
People Management
Create and manage a high performing Hockey Department team and support them to continuously improve their delivery of quality hockey experiences and outcomes.
Manage performance and professional development of all direct reports.
Ensure compliance to policies, procedures and applicable legislation.
Ensure all HR policies and procedures are implemented and followed by the team.
Set annual plans and budgets in conjunction with CEO.
Lead and implement the Regional Training Environment (RTE) and individual performance plans for identified athletes within the RTE and NHC environments.
Ability to help set, manage and achieve budget requirements across the Hockey Department including representative campaigns and programme delivery.
Contribute to relevant budgeting and financial reporting processes.
Ensure any funder requirements are met and support reporting requirements.
Health and Safety
Demonstrate commitment to the health and safety of oneself and others.
Take reasonable care to keep oneself and others safe while at work, taking reasonable care that no action or inaction causes harm to any person in the workplace.
Comply with the employer's health and safety policies and procedures, and any reasonable health and safety instructions/directions given.
Wear or use appropriate protective clothing and equipment as provided.
Assist in the identification of workplace hazards.
Promptly report any workplace accidents, incidents, or near misses.
EXPERIENCE/ KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Communication
Leadership and People Management
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Listen to the needs of the stakeholders.
Ability to deliver messages appropriately to the audience.
Presenting and delivering in a variety of contexts such as coach development workshops.
Teamwork
Ability to have effective working relationships with colleagues and volunteers.
Readily and willingly shares information and supports the work and development of others.
Performs other duties that are reasonable, in line with the position and within the employee's capabilities.
Attend and support significant Auckland Hockey events
Alignment to organisational values/behaviours
Technology
Experience with Hudl and/or other sports video analysis tools
How do your skills match this job? Your application will include the following questions:

Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
•