Practice Manager & People Lead

About BDO

BDO is a globally recognized accountancy and advisory firm known for fostering a culture grounded in strong relationships, collaboration, and trust. Serving clients from diverse industries, BDO distinguishes itself through a partnership approach focused on delivering practical, high-quality solutions with transparent communication.

Role Overview

We seek a seasoned Practice Manager & People Lead for our New Plymouth office to play a pivotal role in driving BDO Taranaki's success. This position involves working closely with the Managing Principal and Principals to support strategic objectives, enhance operations, and cultivate a positive employee environment. Responsibilities cover diverse areas such as people and culture, administration, facilities, technology, health and safety, risk management, compliance, and ongoing practice enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leadership by delivering timely insights, analysis, and actionable recommendations aligned with strategic priorities.
• Manage recruitment processes, employment documentation, onboarding, payroll support, remuneration reviews, rewards and recognition, and exit procedures.
• Lead and provide clear direction to the Administration team to ensure high performance and accountability.
• Drive local employee engagement through culture surveys, team events, appraisals, career coaching, and internship coordination.
• Serve as the practice liaison for the BDO New Zealand People & Culture Community, aiding in national initiative implementation.
• Oversee daily office operations including administration, facilities management, lease compliance, property needs, and supplier relations.
• Partner with National IT on technology infrastructure, procurement, and adherence to IT policies.
• Promote internal communications, staff training, operational efficiency, and continuous improvements.
• Manage health and safety protocols, emergency response planning, wellbeing programs, financial risk, legal documentation, contracts, leases, and policy adherence.

Experience and Qualities Required

• Minimum five years in a senior role involving business, office, operations, or practice management.
• Proven experience supporting senior leadership and contributing to organizational objectives.
• Excellent skills in relationship management, communication, collaboration, and influencing.
• Hands-on experience with people operations including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.
• Leadership or coordination experience with administration or operational teams.
• Sound judgment concerning governance, risk, compliance, confidentiality, and delicate employee issues.
• Capability to streamline processes effectively and handle competing demands with diligence.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 and relevant business technologies.
• Background in professional services, accounting, or partnership settings is a definite advantage.

Why Join BDO?

• Engage in a wide-ranging and impactful role alongside senior leaders.
• Influence both workforce experience and operational workflows daily.
• Work within a collaborative and values-driven local and national team environment.
• Participate in strategic and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Benefit from a supportive workplace in New Plymouth connected to a national network.
• Receive competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits.

Additional Information

Applicants must reside in New Zealand and possess permanent work authorization to be eligible for this position.