Overview
General Manager Jobs in Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand at Pacific Padel
Title: General Manager
Company: Pacific Padel
Location: Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
POSITION DESCRIPTION
General Manager
Position:
General Manager
Reports to:
Board of Directors
Location:
Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand (with travel to Christchurch and new sites in NZ and possibly Australia)
Direct Reports:
Club Managers (4), Marketing & Communications Manager, plus casual staff (5-8), Administration and accounting
Remuneration:
$175,000 total package
Target Appointment:
April 2026 (flexible for exceptional candidates)
About Pacific Padel
Pacific Padel is New Zealand’s preeminent padel club operator, leading the growth of this exciting sport during its infancy in Aotearoa. Founded in March 2023, we are committed to providing exceptional facilities, programming, and community experiences that drive the development of padel across New Zealand.
We currently operate four premium club locations featuring world-class Padel Galis courts:
Albany Tennis Park (Auckland) (4 courts), Merton Road Tennis Centre (Auckland) (4 courts), Takapuna/Anzac Square (Auckland) (3 courts), and Wilding Park Tennis Centre (Christchurch) (4 courts). Our vision is to establish 48 courts across the country by 2028.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join at a pivotal moment as we transition from founder-led operations to professional management, with growing infrastructure, a strong foundation, and significant growth runway. The business is transitioning from a rapid development phase and requires an experienced operator to stabilise operations while optimising performance.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced General Manager to take full operational and financial responsibility for Pacific Padel’s business. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will be accountable for making the company profitable through disciplined execution, team leadership, and operational excellence.
The Founder/CEO will transition to a non-executive Director role focused on strategic growth, new site development, expansion opportunities, and strategic partnerships. You will have clear ownership of day-to-day operations, with the institutional knowledge and development playbook available to support your success. The business has grown rapidly across four locations and the GM will need to bring structure, consistency, and operational discipline to a business that still has the loose ends typical of a fast-growth start-up. You may be required to assist in the strategic growth activities.
Core Mandate
· Make the company profitable through revenue growth and cost control
· Lead and develop the team (~10 staff across all sites)
· Build systems, processes, and repeatable operational formulas
· Deliver robust operational plans and Board reporting
· Drive court utilisation and revenue optimisation across all locations
· Build community and club culture that embodies Pacific Padel’s values
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership
· Full P&L and Balance Sheet accountability for all Pacific Padel operations
· Multi-site operational management across four club locations and future locations
· Implementation and continuous improvement of the Club Performance Model
· Setting and achieving weekly revenue targets and profitability metrics
· Ensuring operational excellence and consistent customer experience
· Managing landlord and venue partner relationships
Financial Management
· Financial forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management
· Monthly and quarterly Board reporting on financial performance
· Weekly revenue reports to board
· Revenue optimisation through dynamic pricing and court utilisation strategies
· Cost control and wage management across all locations
Team Leadership
· Direct management of all staff, including Club Managers, Marketing & Communications Manager, Administration & accounting staff
· Performance management, target setting, and accountability
· Recruitment, training, and development of operational teams
· Building a high-performance culture with clear expectations
· Cross-site staff coordination and resource optimisation
Systems & Process Development
· Complete, implement, and continuously improve the Operational Playbook and Community Engagement Manual
· Develop standardised procedures for replication across all locations
· Leverage technology platforms (Playtomic, Shopify, iPayroll) for operational efficiency
· Establish quality control systems and KPI dashboards
· Drive continuous improvement through data-driven decision making
Strategic matters
Liaison with the Board and Director responsible for strategic growth:
· New site development and pipeline management
· Strategic expansion (franchising, licensing)
· Strategic partnerships (major sponsorships, co-branding, joint ventures)
· National sports body relationships (Padel NZ, Tennis NZ)
· International supplier relationships (Padel Galis, Siux)
Experience & Skills Required – Essential
· Senior operational leadership experience (CEO, COO, or GM level)
· Strong, demonstrable, proven track record of successful delivery
· Excellent financial skills – comfortable owning budgets, forecasts, and Board-level reporting and
Multi-site management experience
· Strong proficiency in leveraging AI tools across operations, reporting, communications, and decision-making. Pacific Padel is committed to full AI integration across the business and the GM will be expected to lead this
· Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams
· Systems-focused mindset – thrives on building processes and operational formulas
· Strong commercial acumen with bias for action
· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Highly Preferred
· Qualified accountant or equivalent financial qualification
· Background in sports, fitness, hospitality, or gymnasium operations
· Experience with booking/membership platforms and dynamic pricing
· Track record of turning around or scaling operational businesses
Desirable
· Knowledge of racket sports or padel specifically
· Experience working with Boards and investor stakeholders
· Understanding of New Zealand employment law and compliance
Personal Attributes
· Results-driven with relentless focus on execution
· Hands-on, not afraid of hard work, detail or getting involved at the coalface
· Strong team builder who sets high standards and holds people accountable
· Big picture thinker who understands community building
· Good communicator
· Comfortable working alongside a Board and Director focused on strategic growth
· Proactive communicator who manages expectations effectively
· Sees padel as a global sport and social phenomenon – excited by the opportunity
Working Conditions
· Based in Auckland with regular presence across all club locations
· Travel to Christchurch as required (Wilding Park)
· Travel to new sites as they come online
· Flexible hours with weekend/evening work as operational needs require
· Hands-on role requiring time at club level, not purely office-based
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing:
· Your proven track record of operational success with specific, measurable outcomes
· Your experience with financial management and Board reporting
· Why you are excited about this opportunity and the padel industry
Closing Date
COB Monday 13th April 2026
Pacific Padel is an equal opportunity employer.
